May, everything was in bloom, the air smelled sweet, and I could’t wait to get out of school. I loved school but it was to the point that this second grader’s knees were sore!
We were practicing for First Holy Communion. Lots of kneeling and practing walking down the aisle. I pretended I was a bride! Everything had to be done in syncronization, to Sisters “cricket”.
We were to carry lit candles so that had to be practiced also. I couldn’t understand why we just couldn’t get up and go to the railing for communion. Why all the fuss?
The closer the day came the more frantic my Grammy became. Talking and fussing and making arrangements and list made out. It seemed like the entire neighborhood was involved! Well it was.. we all went to the same church and school. So you know the whole thing was becoming one hugh snowball!
Every Saturday night my hair was set around her finger and tied off with a strip of cloth. She was practicing that too! The aunt’s came in.. talk talk, talk, the neighbors came in more talk talk talk, Pop and I hid out in the backyard. I didn’t see what all the talking was about but I am sure they were reliving their First Communion.
A few weeks before the big day, off to Third Street we went. You guessed, it shopping for “the “ dress. Well I had seen First Communions but never realized what it was all about. We shopped and looked and tried dresses on me until I was ready to fall asleep! We went home dress less but not with out me getting a hot dog first at the news stand.
Pop asked ”No dress?” Nothing I liked. Well no one asked me! I liked them all and would have been happy with any of them! Where to next Mary? “Bush and Bull’s” was her answer. Pop had the look. “Do I have to go to the bank and make a loan? That place is expensive!” Grammy gave him the “look”. “She is not going to look like a bum walking down the aisle. She will have something very special. It happens only once!” Subject closed!
Off to “Bush and Bulls”. We looked and tried on and looked some more. Nothing! Home we went tired again. Pop just laughed and headed for the garden!
I came home from school one day with my candle and purse which contained my prayer book and rosarys. “Grammy, Sister sent this home with me. She said to keep it safe. Grammy almost fainted. Here come the necessary accessories and me with out a dress or veil. The look on her face was so sad. “OK,tomorrow we go again and this time we find a dress and shoes and slip and everything!” The challenge was on. We were going to invent “shop till you drop”.
It wasn’t even 9 AM and we were standing outside our friends bridal shop. “Grammy why are we at Marie’s, Maybe she can help us.” Help us she did. She directed us to a friend of hers who had nothing but First Communion Dress in her store along with the “necessaries”. She didn’t open her shop, but came with us.
I tried several on and they were fine. Not to Grammy they weren’t! I was getting tired and hungry, this is not the way for me to be to this day. I came out with the last dress and veil. Well Grammy started to cry and said that’s it! That’s the one! I’ll take it. Take it we did and over to Maries we went and ate!!! After that we went to Third Street and bought the long white silk stockings and white Mary Jane shoes! Finally it was over. On the way home I said ”Grammy I am never going to be a bride!“ “Don’t talk that way and why?” “ Too much shopping for the right dress!” She just laughed.
When we came in the back door pop asked if we found what we were looking for. All Grammy did was smile. He got his answer!
The day came and off to church we went. Grammy didn’t put my veil on until the last minute in the school then went off to the church to wait for us. We all looked beautiful “like little angels” sister said. The boys didn’t look any different. They had on suits as usual.
As we entered the church our candles were lit one by one and we marched down the aisle. I did feel like a bride! I saw my family smiling from the pew as I passed by. The worst was over. Sister blew out our candles as we entered our pews and sat down.
When we got home I was able to take the veil off after my Uncle took a bunch of pictures. Then we got to eat. I couldn’t believe the amount of food on the dining room table! I guess this was really something special! We all ate, and laughed and everyone said I was beautiful Ok..if that’s what they think. I was dressed up! So what does a kid know. I got hugs and kisses and cards and some had money in them and I gave them all to Grammy to hold. I got some presents too. Coloring books, and crayons, and nice doll, candy and too much really to remember.
I never realized how special this day was to my Grandparents until my son made his First Holy Communion. I can almost feel what they felt. The specialty of it all.
The shopping, the planning, the baking and cooking, and looking for just the right gift. Things never change, and this Sacrament never will.
I was going through a box at Grammy’s after I was married and found what was left of my communion veil. I looked for the dress and shoes and stockings but they were nowhere to be found. I came down from my old room and asked her about it. “Well, Borka, I give it to the family across the street. You know they have many children and they needed it. I saw someone else walk down the aisle happy in that dress”. I saw the tears in her eyes and I knew, I cried too. We cried together, happy tears. Of memories never lost.