Week 38 – Jill dances at Chris & Nicoles Wedding

We have just arrived home from Melbourne and the greatest experience we have had in the past few years. Chris & Nicole’s wedding when like a well oiled machine, The weather was fantastic, the venue second to none and a very appreciative audience and a most excited leading couple.
The week leading up to Saturday saw Jill working as hard as possible with her goal of dancing at the wedding to be achieved. Sunday after a visit to the netball courts,a meal at Holywood’s then we went out to my sister farm to visit our caravan which we have not been in since May 2006. After the wedding we need another goal and Jill has decided it’s a major caravan trip, so watch out for our Supreme Spirit Caravan , I think I may rename it to “Jillian’s Mobile Gym”
Beth arrived on Monday and commenced with a back massage and followed it up with some advanced exercises in the Jillian’s Gym. This was followed with a walk at the netball courts and a dip in the pool. Jill’s strength came to the front as she was determined to be walking. She has continued that each day with some notable changes.
The emotions had a few ups and downs as the time got nearer. Thursday was another first, again exercises in the gym and after lunch we headed back to the netball courts and as a treat I suggested a soft serve at McDonalds and on the way I suggested we visit my mum at St Catherines and to my surprise Jill agreed. This was Jill’s first visit to St Catherines. We parked some 50 meters from the entrance and as usual Jill refused to use the wheelie walker (only for old people) so with the crutch and my arm we set off. Once inside we heard a lot of excited chatter and found mum and the other residents playing coits. When mum saw Jill her face lit up and she headed to us. I don’t think she thought she would ever see Jill walk (even if it was on my arm). She had won a bottle of beer. She then took us up to her room to show it to Jill. Pat arrived at about the same time and after a few words and the presentation of a couple of beers to me we headed back car. As we went out the main door one of the beer bottles decide to bounce across the concrete drive- it didn’t break but the cap came off and the contents were spread over the drive “what a waste”.
A sleepless night and Friday was here , Beth came again and gave Jill a final massage before we set of to Bendigo. The trip to Bendigo was uneventfull with a stop at Murchison for lunch and we parked the car in Allison’s garage about 3 pm. With the excitement of Saturday getting closed we had another sleepless night and an early rise to get Jill’s hair done before the drive to Melbourne.
We arrived at Quest Apartments at the same time as Chris and the other groomsman. We settled into our room and Jill was anxious to get dressed. Allison came to our room to help Jill with her makeup and any final details.I got to see my beautiful wife before anybody.
We were picked up by Limos to be taken to the MV Mandalay at Dock 14. Slight hiccup and we were driven around to the opposite end of the dock only to find the access was blocked and we had to walk about 200 meters to the boat. This was the first time Jill had worn high heels in about 18 months. By time we reached the boat I think Jill was having trouble – but like not a word. The Captain allowed Jill on board to sit while he told every body about the life jackets and life boats.
With every body we waited for the Bride and her attendants to arrive. The limos arrived and the girls stepped out, to the flashes of cameras. Nicole looked fantastic, just what the cameras wanted. The smile on Chris’s face as he watched Nicole come on board was all worth it.
The ceremony must have been the switch as just as the vows were exchanged the sun came out and we were in for a beautiful sunset. The photos were fantastic with the natural light from the sunset and the beautiful bride. At the end of the ceremony and a new Mrs Keenan we were moved up stairs for the meal to be served. The Mandalay headed out into Port Phillip bay and the meal was served. It was terrific to see the lights of Melbourne and the ships as we sailed past.
After the meal, it was time for speeches and bridal waltz. This was the time for Jill’s goal to be achieved . As Chris and Nicole danced and other members of the bridal party got up Jill said it was time and we were up. Suddenly I was tapped on the shoulder and Jill had another partner. Here she was dancing with Chris. Both had tears in their eyes and I felt so proud of them both.
We were on board from 7pm until arriving back at Pier 14 just after midnight. Back at Quest we were able to unwind and go to bed – next it was 7am Sunday.
Check out was 10am and Chris & Nicole had arranged a Brunch and with Nicole’s mum & dad ( Marg and Peter ) and 20 others we all sat down to a great breakfast before saying our goodbyes and heading home.
There are a lot of people with their good wishes and physical help that have got Jill to this stage and onto the next stage. Our family especially Allison & her Chris , Chris & Nicole and Michael , Jill’s sister Jeannette & Gavin, Jill’s Aunty Jean , Pat & Keith , Keiran & Louise, Barry & Margaret and the hundreds of others out there – our thanks
I am sorry if I have bored you tonight but we are the proudest parents to have such a wonderful family plus one. Welcome Nicole to the Keenan Clan.
See you next week on the net.