It has been a while now since my last blog entry. In truth it’s been quiet over the last few months. With time starting to run out everything has starting to get busy again in the lead up to the wedding.
Learned a lot of lessons over the last few weeks but none more so than what I'm about to tell you. You must never EVER under any circumstances forget the wife.
Bit of background for you. When Caroline and I started going out we had arranged to meet friends of ours in Leixlip Co. Kildare. I was living in Sandyford (South Dublin) and Caroline was at home in Lucan. I headed off on my merry way to meet everyone in Leixlip. Once I arrived I got in the door to be greeted by our friends. The usual banter ensured until someone said to me "Where is Caroline?". I responded "Be right back." Indeed I was right back, 20mins later, with Caroline in tow. Not a good start to our relationship you might think. It gets worse.
12 Months later we were both attending the wedding of 2 college friends of mine, Maurice and Gillian. After the ceremony, when you were walking out of the church greeting the happy couple, I greeted Bride and Groom, wished them well and walked on forgetting to introduce my darling girlfriend. Caroline introduced herself, wished them well and reminded me afterwards not to forget to introduce her at the next wedding. Unforgivable? Probably not, but certainly a yellow card offence. Unfortunately it got worse..
12 Months later at another college wedding (Brendan and Siobhan), we laughed beforehand with some friends about how I had forgotten to introduce Caroline at the previous wedding. Yes you guessed it. Out the front door, wished everyone well and went on my merry way forgetting Caroline. I'm telling you this woman has the patience of a saint. But guess what? It gets worse still...
Yesterday I was booking the accommodation for our honeymoon in Hawaii. Sorted out the room, rates, view etc etc. I confirmed and paid for the room. I was then showing Caroline the booking. "It looks beautiful there". She said. "It really is a lovely hotel, you are really going to enjoy it on your own...". I couldn't believe it. Honeymoon suite in a hotel in Hawaii, booked for 1.
2 minutes later I'm on hold to the hotel reception. "Yes Mr O'Brien, we have your booking confirmation for the honeymoon suite here in front of me". So there I was, fiancé beside me when I replied " Small problem with the booking, can you make that booking for 2, I forgot to add the wife." I have to admit I never heard synchronised laughter before across such a large distance; but Caroline and the receptionist shared a good old laugh at my expense.
Moral of the story gentlemen! No matter where you are. No matter what you’re doing. No matter what you are booking. Don't forget the wife....
