Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Mr. Meerkat Made Me Cry

Del Sol Photography

As the last few notes of our first dance faded away, I started to turn and make my way off the dance floor for the Mother-Son dance but Mr. Meerkat stopped me. Then I heard the the beginning of a song my dad use to play for me as a little girl.

The song is called Daddy's Girl and it was our song. The one where when you hear it playing, you look at each other and smile.

So for a minute I just stood there staring at Mr. Meerkat. I didn't understand what was going on. Then it slowly came to me. Mr. Meerkat was giving me the Father-Daughter dance I never thought I would be able to have.

Del Sol Photography

After losing my dad to cancer, being able to have a Father-Daughter dance to our song wasn't an option. It was one of the hardest things to come to terms with while we were planning.

Del Sol Photography

I can remember Mr. Meerkat pulling me into his arms and whispering in my ear:

I would give anything for your dad to be here but since he can't I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I filled in for him.

Del Sol Photography

Del Sol Photography

Del Sol Photography

I held on so very tightly to Mr. Meerkat as we danced. And I cried - a lot. So did our family and friend. But it was the good kind of cry that reminds us of how much we are loved.

Del Sol Photography

Even though I was crying, I was still pretty much holding it together until I heard this part of the song:

I recall the day that your young man come to call.

Seems like only yesterday, you swam and played football.

But I know the time has come, that I must set you free.

But no matter where you are, you know what you are to me.

Once I heard that I couldn't dance anymore. It was just too hard. I told Mr. Meerkat how much it meant to me to have my Father-Daughter dance but that I wanted to get back to the celebrating.

Del Sol Photography

He simply smiled and nodded at me in this way that said he understood. So he took my hand and escorted me off the dance floor.

Even though it was hard at the time, I am so glad that I got to have my Father-Daughter dance.

Up Next: Dancing With Our Moms

Days Before Wedding

• We Arrive In Mexico
• Out Of Town Bags
• Fun In Mexico
• Our Best Man Goes Missing
• A Dress Fiasco and Rehearsal Dinner

Getting Ready

• Our Fairy Godmothers (aka Getting Ready)
• Time To Put The Dress On
• The Guys Get Ready
• The Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue I Didn't Plan
• Just A Few Pictures With My Girls

Ceremony

• Get Me To The Beach
• A Gift For Mr. Meerkat
• A Beach Processional
• Our Love Story Ceremony
• Our Sand Ceremony
• Vows, Rings and Hands
• Ceremony Conclusion

Cocktail Hour and Portraits

• Hugs, Kisses and Congratulations
• Mix and Mingle - Our Cocktail Hour
• "Tell Us A Story" Guestbook
• Family and Bridal Party Portraits
• Bride and Groom Portraits Part 1 & Part 2

The Reception

• Our Grand Entrance
• Dinner and Toasts Part 1 & Part 2
• Let's Smash Some Cake!
• Our Unchoreographed First Dance