So a little over a week ago, one of my bestest buddies got married. I drove out to Rome for the big ball-and-chain event. For those of you that don't know me that well, you have to understand that driving to Rome (just under 3 hours), by myself, is a pretty major thing. Not too long ago, I would have missed out on the wedding. The thought of going somewhere I was unfamiliar with, relying on myself to follow the directions I printed out, would send me spiraling into a panic attack. If, by some chance, I'd been able to start the trip, the whole getting lost in Rome thing would have probably ended the trip a measly 2 miles short of my destination. Instead, I drove across the state, got lost and found my way, went to a wedding in which I knew about 5 of the people in attendance, went to a reception in which I knew the same 5 people (I should mention that 3 of them were actively involved in the wedding, and so I couldn't spend my time hiding behind them), and then came home (get lost again). I met and talked with new people, and just had a blast! I was privileged to watch my pal join his life with that of the woman he loves. The memory that will always stand out the most is the smile on his face. He always has the most infectious smile. But that day? I've never seen him smile like that. That, my friends, was the smile of a man in love.
That day in Rome taught me two things. First, maybe I can overcome my crazy issues, and learn to live my life. And second, maybe Happily Ever After really does exist.
