Hold On

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."
-Havelock Ellis

There is something enigmatic about mothers and the art of letting go: the two are interwoven enduringly beyond human capacity to understand.
I asked mine to give me away at my wedding- it was a last minute decision as I had not anticipated the necessity of the role- and she honoured my request by walking arm in arm with me toward my soon-to-be Spouse.
Mater was enrobed in pink, with a lacy cardigan and she looked exquisite.
I looked rather like a mermaid, in a shimmering sea of purple, blue and pink. I had around my shoulders a purple shawl, and I was wearing a most lovely new watch, a delicate and thoughtful wedding present from our friends.
We proceeded to the front and our priest announced that Mater should now step back and give me away to the groom.
Mater stepped back all right but she did not get particularly far.
Her lacy cardigan and my shining watch- both artfully conspired to hold us together for one more moment. It was a mighty long moment, though, as we bent heads and disentangled the threads from the silver. There were murmurs from the assembled friends and family. We picked away until, finally, we were separated.
Our priest quipped brightly, "you didn't want to let her go, did you?"
Take what may be had from the tale; but assuredly there is something to be said about mothers and letting go.