Jaibee’s challenge
Kasia December 22nd, 2008
One of the things I love the most about Jaibee (and there are a lot of things) is that she comes up with ideas like this:
Oh, and a challenge — should you choose to accept it:
There have been a lot of blog postings about things wedding-related. My challenge to you, to help prepare you for this sacrament which will change your life forever, is to — from now until the day of your wedding — post once a day something about your fiancé (why you love him, what characteristics you find particularly endearing, etc.) Something positive, and something about this man whom you are about to give your entire self to. I would also recommend this to the Canuck, to do on his blog. Even if it is only a sentence right before bed when you are about to pass out, to help focus not on the stress of the day-to-day and the last minute details, but to re-focus yourselves, each day, on the reason for all the plans.Go!
I think it’s a fabulous idea.
So my first posting on this challenge is for today, Day…33? (Checking TheKnot.com…yup, T minus 33 days and counting…)
One thing I love about the Canuck is how self-sacrificing he can be. And I don’t just mean for me, though he’s exceptionally generous in that respect. No, I’m thinking of the wedding he was asked to stand up in in October.
The groom was one of his best friends – possibly best friend – and asked him to be best man. Sweetie was honored. Then the friend e-mailed him and said, in essence, “I hope you don’t mind, but I reeeeeeally want us to wear kilts.”
Kilts.
Sweetie doesn’t even wear shorts of his own volition. And much as he’s a sweet and sensitive guy, he is 100% a guy. I think it’s fair to say he was less than thrilled.
However, he sighed, shook his head, and wrote back: “It’s not what I’d pick, but it’s your wedding.”
And he rented the $200+ kilt.
And he wore it.
And if at any point he thought anything other than “It isn’t what I’d pick, but it’s not my wedding,” he never breathed a syllable to the groom.
Because fundamentally, his primary concern was not whether he would have preferred to have worn pants. His primary concern was doing everything in his power to make sure his friend and his friend’s fiancée had their day go the way they wanted it to.
(And hey – what goes around comes around – the guys in our wedding, including this guy, are wearing berry, rose and mauve ties and mauve pocket squares. Though that wasn’t done intentionally – it’s just what worked with the bridesmaid dresses and the suits. No, really!)
So: my sweetie, thank you for putting J. and H. and their wedding above your own preferences. And if I may reiterate what I said that day, however you might have felt, you looked darned good!
Willingness to sacrifice is one of the most critical components of a happy marriage. I’m glad you chose to focus on that quality in your first response to the Jaibee Challenge.
Oh, and good on ya, Jaibee, for issuing said challenge!
De rien.
That’s just the Holy Spirit…using me…. Again in the theme that *I* need to hear, of reminding me, what’s really important here? [Edited per request]
Oh, and doesn’t the Canuck look particularly tall in that photo?
Quite nice. 
And if you would, please, Kasia, that was supposed to be italics in that last post up there, but I couldn’t see my typo behind where my text disappears into your sidebar…. Kthxbai.
Et voilá!
Awww…what a great idea!
And a very good excuse to gush about your sweetie too (as if you needed one, Kasia).
I know this particular post is just about the great qualities of the beloved Canuck, however; I would like to point out that you two are BOTH extremely generous, self-sacrificing, kind, gracious and loving to those around you. A person couldn’t ask for better friends than Kasia and the Canuck.
So, as we count down the days until their wedding I would like to ask everyone to please continue praying for these two wonderful people. I hope they know how much they are loved and how happy we all are for them!
I couldn’t add this comment on to my previous post…it just wasn’t a good fit.
I have to say something — Kasia, forgive me, we’ve discussed this (and I’m hoping you will take the comment in the spirit in which it is intended).
Canuck is looking H-O-T!!!
It’s not every man who can pull off a kilt – Canuck clearly can! Oh, be still my racing heart…. (in a friendly, non-pervert sort of way, of course)
Jill: BLUSH
Jill: He is, isn’t he?
Snaps for the Canuck! Gotta love a man who’s secure enough and has the gams to rock the kilt!
Kit: BLUSH! Thank you for the compliments
I have to admit that I am relieved that this photo doesn’t show off how pale my legs really are – almost lighter than the socks 