Michael Richard

When Michael proposed, he told me he didn't want to get in the way of my planning what I thought would be the perfect wedding ceremony. He only had 2 conditions: 1. He had to have all his best friends in the wedding. And 2. Michael Richard had to carry the rings.

I agreed to his conditions not realizing just how many "best friends" he had. He had 6 grooms men already chosen before I gave a single thought to who my brides maids would be. Needless to say, we had a HUGE wedding party.


HUGE Wedding Party...All Michael's Fault!

Michael Richard was only 4 years old when we got engaged. He was 5 by the time our wedding day arrived. He made us nervous, though, because just the month before, he was the ring bearer for an uncle on his dad's side of the family and didn't make it down the aisle. He saw the relatively small crowd, started crying and had to be lead around the pews in order to take his place at the front of the church. We so wanted him to walk down the aisle but we were afraid of a repeat performance.

At the time, Michael's sister (Michael Richard's mother) was living at Michael's parents house. Their house being a block away from the church, that's where Michael and his grooms men got dressed. Michael chose a mini version of his tuxedo for Michael Richard to wear. He brought Michael Richard into his bedroom where all the "men" were dressing. One of his friends brought some beer (I didn't know this until way later.) and they all shared one "last one" with their buddy. Michael handed Michael Richard a can of Pepsi and he guzzled his soda pop as the rest of them guzzled their can of Budweiser.


The Handsome Fellas :o)

Once the cans were emptied, Michael took Michael Richard into the bathroom so they could comb their hair. He told his nephew how handsome he was. He told him he was proud of him for being a big boy and couldn't wait to see him walk down the aisle with the pillow. Michael Richard could not stop smiling. He felt like one of the guys.


Just One of the Guys!

I was so nervous when it was his turn to walk down the aisle, I almost didn't want to look. It turned out, I had nothing to worry about. He not only walked down the aisle, he held that pillow with one hand, kept his head up, and smiled at the 400+ guests who attended. Aside from an occasional yawn, he was the perfect little gentlemen and we loved having him as a part of our special day.


He Did Great!

Today, Michael Richard turns 18 years old. Next month he'll graduate high school and intends to then join the Merchant Marines.


The Little Man is All Grown Up! :o)

Happy 18th Birthday, Michael Richard!