It was happening to me. I was going to be married tonight. My identity had gone from probable Sister Maria, to Fraulein Maria, and now to being Mrs. Von Trapp. I am so delighted that it seems everything is unfolding the way it was supposed to. I was sent to this abbey not to become a nun, but to become something more than I thought possible to myself. I look around the abbey walls and have this overwhelming faith in God, knowing that he was indeed taking care of me, had been all along and that everything was going to be okay.
I make my way down the stairs and am greeted by Reverend Mother and Sister Bertha. They are looking at me with such looks of love that I've never seen them have before. Well, not towards me anyway. I kneel before my beloved Mother and she gives me the sign of the cross. It may not be a hug or a kiss, but it's the best sign of affection she can give me. I have always felt healed by her, even on my worst conferences with her. I truly believe God sends power to her soul in which she can whole-heartedly share.
I then make my way to the church gates so I can begin my walk down the aisle. The Reverend Mother and the Sisters never far behind me. The gates are opened and I'm greeted by Liesl, Marta, and Gretl. I look at Marta and Gretl, my baby girls and then I look at my abbey family again. Reverend Mother gives me another look of love so powerful that I feel no choice but to go on. Overwhelmed as I am with the organ music blasting and the smell of my wedding bouquet so sweet. Liesl sends Gretl and Marta on their way and I can only look adoringly at my beautiful woman-child that is Liesl. She then looks at me as though she is thinking the same thing. God bless her.
I don't even think I'm in my body as I walk down the aisle. I suddenly become nervous with all these people looking at me. All of Captain's friends whom I don't really recognize. Surely they must have been at the ball that night but my goodness, that night was a blur in of itself. I can only look down for a short while. When I finally have the courage to pick my head up, I can see him standing there, waiting for me. He is the most handsome man I ever seen and he was going to be my husband. How could I be so lucky? I can only hope he feels the same way about me.
I look slightly to the right and look at the other children who were standing in honor of me. No, no, I think you guys are the real honorable ones. If it weren't for you little darlings this night would not be possible. When I first met you children, you were impossibles, but as I got to know each of you, I only saw kind, loving, wonderful souls. I love each of you very much. You will never know the love and joy you little ones have brought to my life.
As I pass my bouquet to Liesl, I take Georg's hand. His hand feels so warm and tender that it sends shiver up my spine. I can feel how much he loves me right now and it's overwhelming to me. As we kneel before the altar of God, the priest begins a prayer in Latin as most are. I silently pray to Mother Mary to giude me through this marriage and to please help me guide these children to adulthood. I wonder what Georg is thinking about right now.
The vows were beautifully said, the rings shined brightly on mine and Georg's fingers, and our kiss was simple and sweet. After the ceremony, the children wild with happiness, ran up to me and embraced me.
"We love you, Maria," they all said to me.
"I love you, too," I replied. With all my heart, I love you babies.