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Highlands Today

Wedding Bouquets, Commitments And Ivy Plants

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Lyn and Bill Roche

Published: November 2, 2007

Nov. 15, 1997 was a special day our family will long remember. With the words, "I do," our youngest daughter and the love of her life became man and wife –– a brand new family of two ready to step out on their own.

At the reception, the groom danced with his mother to the song she requested. It was "I'll Be Home for Christmas." His birthday is Dec. 24. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Photos of the day can still be found throughout our home nearly 10 years after the event. They now share space with photos of the two children who eventually made them a family of four.

As our daughter and son-in-law prepare to celebrate their 10th Anniversary, we find ourselves naturally thinking back on their wedding day. We recall dancing together to "New York! New York!" and Bill dancing with Lyn's Mom to "Chicago, My Kind of Town." Ah, yes, all wonderful memories to treasure.

And then, there's the memory of a somewhat unusual incident that's lasted in a most unique way. Minutes before our daughter was to toss her cascading bouquet of roses and ivy into the eager arms of one of her bridesmaids, Lyn retrieved a small scissors from her purse. She quietly proceeded to snip off many long strands of the green ivy. The bride, her grandmother, and father looked on in wonder. Lyn merely said, "Trust me."

No one mentioned or thought about the "snipping incident" again. That is, except Lyn and her best friend.

The next day, after the newlyweds escaped to Aruba, Lyn and her friend planted the ivy cuttings in three pots filled with moist potting soil. Bill looked on proclaiming, "They don't have roots!"

"Trust us," the two ladies replied in unison.

Then, Lyn explained, "A long time ago, I was visiting a neighbor. A strong healthy plant literally wound its way around her kitchen. I asked her about it and she said it was English Ivy from her wedding bouquet. She planted it and it grew!"

After leaving the neighbor's house, Lyn immediately told her best friend about the ivy. They made a secret pact that when our daughter (an infant at the time) married; they'd keep part of her bouquet alive and growing. It would be up to the couple to keep the marriage alive and growing. However, if they ever faltered, among the many things meant to be reminders of their commitment –– there would also be three strong living plants.

Lyn and her friend each kept a pot of the ivy cuttings. They gave the third to Lyn's mom. They all agreed to share healthy cuttings with each other, should anyone's plant wither. They replenished each other a few times in the early years.

Today, Lyn has her original pot of ivy and her mother's. They're both on our patio. Lyn's friend lives in Arizona now. Her plant is a strong houseplant. The three plants are thriving and require gentle pruning occasionally.

People comment on Lyn's healthy green ivy. When she tells them the origin of the plants, many ask for cuttings. Lyn joyfully snips away, explaining, "Just give them some light and water - they'll grow!" She loves the thought that so many plants are a result of our daughter's wedding bouquet. It seems to be symbolic of the far-reaching effects of a marriage.

A good marriage is strong and alive like the ivy. It's evergreen!

Lyn and Bill live in Highlands Ridge. Visit their Web sites www.boomersandbeyondthecolum.com and www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com

©2007 Journey Publications

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