One Regret

I have but one regret when it comes to my wedding, on today's date, 23 years ago.

As the party following our church reception was winding down, my oldest brother requested a few minutes of my time so he could pass along some big bro advice on being married.  

We settled down in a quiet room, a distance from the thinning, but still jolly crowd.  

As he was opening his comments, my brother, Mike, appeared in the door, a big smile wreathing his face.

"Am I supposed to be part of this?" he asked, all brotherly happiness.

"No," Peter said.  

And I backed him up.

The brother who had nurtured a wonderful partnership with his wife, who raised two great kids as well as established a successful career that kept blossoming as he got older, who was a pillar of my church, who shared my love of our alma mater & community - I turned HIM away to get advice from someone who didn't even like me.

Knew IMMEDIATELY what a ninny I'd been, but it was too late.  Crestfallen, smile wiped from his face, spirit downcast, Mike stepped back & softly shut the door behind him.

I will carry that moment, with regret, to my grave....