Memories - Media Prompt

Music can take you far away, long ago, hopeful places, or places best forgotten

         December 19, 1986, will forever be in our minds as the most pivotal day of our lives.

         It was after a horrible argument my then-girlfriend had with her mother on the telephone while she was at my mom and dad's house. I don't recall what the argument was about, but knowing how petty her mother was, it was something very ludicrous or asinine. After hearing her screaming over the telephone receiver, her mom ended the call by slamming the handset against the wall.

         Instead of breaking down into tears, my girlfriend turned toward me and asked, "Want to get married? Now. Not waiting until next year, but next week?"

         Taking the phone out of her shaking hand, I looked up the number I needed in the telephone book and dialed. After a brief conversation, I made an appointment for the next day to meet at the rectory. I then called my brother and asked if he could meet us at the courthouse at 2:00 that afternoon.

         The following days were a whirlwind of activities and preparations so that by December 24, 1986, 10:00 am, we were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church. This was a very impromptu wedding. The only people there were my immediate family. We decided it was best, for the time being, that her family knew nothing about this wedding.

         By December 26, the honeymoon was over. We had to join her family for the holidays. I offered to be with her when she told her mom about the wedding, but she didn't think it would go over very well. I knew what that meant. Her mom was a very verbally abusive person when I wasn't around. If I were there, she would hold it in until I was gone, and then it would be worse.

         Ever since December 24, 1986, her side of the family has never, to this date, said anything regarding our anniversary.

         This song evokes painful memories and emotions.

Words: 326