I made it!

After weeks of anxiety, reflection and just feeling plain ol’ old, it finally happened Sunday when my only daughter was united in matrimony.

While it seemed to take weeks for the big day to arrive once they set a date, the past 20 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. I knew two decades ago this day would come and have tried my best to prepare for it, but there really is no preparing — only  having faith in that she is capable, grown and mature enough to be a wife.

And despite a couple minor glitches, the ceremony and reception went off without a hitch.

Prior to the ceremony, I got to see my baby girl in her wedding gown as she dressed for the occasion. She looked stunning when I presented her with a small gift of a bracelet I purchased here in Oxford. And when I walked her down the aisle, I never lost my composure even though I teared up some as she and her groom recited their wedding vows.

The wedding reception and food were awesome and although the DJ was a no-show, we were able to improvise with a laptop and a microphone to make sure there was music for dancing. But when it was time for the “Daddy-daughter” dance, I lost some of that composure I was so proud of containing during the ceremony. The song selection was the wedding tune probably played at most weddings over the last decade when a dad and daughter glide over the dance floor — “I Loved Her First” by the country music group Heartland. As long as I can remember, it has been a song I have choked up to when it came on the radio.

This time, the tears were flowing as I looked into my daughter’s eyes and the tears began to come down her cheeks as well. It will be a bittersweet memory I will hold dear to my heart for as long as I live.

And now the milestone moment in her life and mine has passed. She is now a wife and I pray she is prepared for the next chapter in her life.

Rob Sigler is managing editor of The Oxford EAGLE. Contact him at rob.sigler@oxfordeagle.com.