Love, Hope and Sunny Days

Since I remember I have always believed that love has infinite forms and meanings. Each beautiful in their own ways.  

The clearest examples of fairytale love all happened for me over a couple of days. It started with an invitation from a loved one and a sign on the back of an assigned seat.  

The envelope came through my postbox, colourful and thankfully not a bill. With two names written there. Something that was a first for me. I remember smiling, knowing the significance of that little detail. It was a show of support. 

This was one of the few invitations to a family wedding that didn't fill me with apprehension.  

My access is not always guaranteed and certainly never simple in classic wedding venues. This is usually due to the age and construction of the venue. There is a limit to how historical buildings can be adapted for wheelchair access. So as a wheelchair user, wanting to go and being able to go are often two different things.  

This invite, however, was unlike any other and followed by a logistical planning meeting to ensure not only my access but my comfort. It's a bit like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. 

So, realising I’d found people who love me so much, they show me that my presence isn't negotiable. I prepared for an adventure. Partly because they deserve to be celebrated wholeheartedly and partly because I deserve this level of inclusion.  

A plan was put in place and preparations made. 

I was fortunate that my partner understood the importance of this adventure and did what he could to help both in planning and in execution.  

We started our journey a full day and a half before the wedding was due to take place. After four trains and a longer roll than intended, we had done the difficult part.   

It was then I allowed myself to be excited. The next part of the plan was the next day's worry. I remember looking out the hotel window and feeling immense gratitude for that time in my life. 

The next day started early, with clear skies. I gave myself extra time so I could make myself feel not just presentable but photo ready. Outfit on, hair washed and that one bit of hair that never sits right carefully tamed. I was ready. 

Passing the sea front, I tried to remember the last time I had been at the seaside. Decades probably, so I took a deep breath full of salt and the sugary tang of candy floss.  

We were meeting my father for breakfast before the wedding. At a cheap pub across from the pier. We caught up with family gossip and spoke about plans for the days ahead.  

A peaceful feeling washed over me. A feeling that could only have been hope for the future. I usually get nervous in situations where I have to be in crowds, but not that day.  

That day I was there to show two people that their love is worth celebrating.  

That day was a dream, blue skies, a fun fair and a love so bright that the sun should be jealous.  

Two people who just make complete sense.  

The hope and happiness in every little detail of the day. No fuss, just pure joy. I felt grateful to be able to bask in it. 

"Did you see your seat?"  My cousin asked. Her voice snapped me into the present.  

I waited for the people to move out of my way and had to swallow the overwhelming joy I felt. There next to the space for my chair was the sign marked for my partner in clear, undeniable print. I was so touched I couldn’t even say thank you. 

My cousin smiled.

I took a moment to compose myself before pointing it out to my partner. 

"Are you alright with that?" I said and laughed.  

He knelt and put his arm across my shoulders. "Of course." 

It seems like a simple thing but it was the first time I felt really seen for who I really am.  

That is inclusion, love and all the hope I have for my future. It was all there that day. 

Since then, we’ve had more adventures and I've had the immense privilege of witnessing the tiny moments of love they share and show.  

I will always be grateful for the effort, support and time we share. But most, of all, I'm proud to call them my kin.