BRIDE IN THE STORM

~ I DRESS IN STARS AND CHAOS. I’M BOTH A WARRIOR AND AN ARTIST. ~

- Carolina Heza

“Mum, Stuart and I are shipping out on a mission in two days. We’re moving up the wedding to tomorrow,” announced Claudia, over the phone, “I need you to hop on a plane and meet us on base.”

This wasn’t what her Mum, Michelle, would want. But there was no telling how long she and Stuart would be deployed. And they had never been too keen on a big event, anyway.

That night, Claudia pulled out her go-to date-night dress. It wasn’t bridal attire by a long shot; but as an officer in the Marines, she knew how to make do. This was the life she had signed up for – to serve her country. If that meant sacrificing a pretty, white dress, then so be it.

The next morning, Michelle arrived. “Here,” she said, presenting a large box to her daughter, “This is for you.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything, Mum”, started Claudia, before gasping in delight. Folded inside the box was her mother’s wedding dress. A delicate mix of satin and tuille that Claudia had loved, ever since she was a child.

She looked up to see her mother watching her. They were both remembering those carefree days, when a young Claudia would play at being a princess, in this very same dress.

Later that day, in the modest base chapel, Claudia glided down the aisle. It was a simple ceremony, but there in her mother’s dress, marrying the man she loved, Claudia felt all her dreams came true.