All cultures seem to have a way for women to
celebrate the bride before her wedding.
My niece's bridal shower
included: grandmothers, mothers, (one aunt), sisters, female friends and
children. Women's culture, celebration and tradition - may this universal right-of-passage never
perish.
Stocking the future kitchen was the theme of Vanessa's shower.
Everyone brought a favorite dish along with the recipe. These and two other tables filled with a delicious variety of food.
And eat we did.
Of course, there were the gifts.
Every bride - every kitchen - needs a crock-pot.
The little girls almost stole the bride's stage with their delight of the wrapping paper.
Only one ribbon broken.
My sister - what was she thinking? I can almost see in her eyes: Vanessa as a new born; a quiet little girl; a college graduate; devoting her life to work with handicapped children and now soon to be a bride. (Vanessa is the third of her five daughters to get married).
Only two of the Vanessa's sisters were able to make it to the shower. Natalie is, a MSW working with women recovering from substance abuse.
Emily, who just returned from a year teaching high school science in a rural school in Zambia. She has some amazing tales, including being handed the keys to the school because all of the other teachers and the principle had to go to a conference in another town. She had only been there a couple of days. On the spot she had to figure out how manage a school full of children in multiple classrooms and who only spoke a different language. Then there were the wedding proposals, lions, sharks, chickens killed for dinner....
Natalie, Emily and Vanessa.
Vanessa with her flower-girl-to-be.
Groom-to-be, Evan, is one lucky guy.
Only one ribbon broken. 
