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When I was about thirteen years old, I went to my cousin Becky's wedding with my dad. The wedding was in October 2006. At first, I hadn't really wanted to go. Then I decided - at virtually the last second - that it might be fun, so I changed my mind and packed my bags. 

I'm so glad I decided to go. I've never had more fun at a wedding. My cousin Becky was the second cousin in my family to get married. When it was time to walk her down the aisle, I remember how everyone got all quiet and solemn. The reason was because a few months earlier, her dad had unexpectedly broken up with her mother and left the family. We never really knew why. It was really hard on my dad and grandparents, to say nothing of poor Becky and her brothers. So, her grandfather walked her down the aisle instead. I felt bad for Becky because I knew she wanted her dad to be there, but when she got to the alter and vows were said, we all cheered because we were very happy for her. 

Still, the highlight of the evening was dancing at the wedding reception. It started when I went out to dance to a few slow songs with my dad, who was my "date" for the evening. After a while, the music became more energetic and more people came out onto the dance floor. And soon I found myself in a circle of family members, dancing like a lunatic, laughing, and wishing I could've been allowed to wear my sneakers.

Normally when I dance I do it behind closed doors, by myself, and if someone comes in I stop. But being out there, surrounded by people I loved, something happened. I think a combination of happiness and excitement caused me to drop my inhibitions and shyness for one night and just enjoy myself. For once, I wasn't sitting at a table wishing to go home like I often am at long parties. I was trying to coax my cousin Laura into dancing. I was doing the conga with my grandpa and uncles. I was watching my second cousin run around the floor in her little white-and-red dress. I even took of my shoes and danced barefoot at one point.

I think that being happy can sometimes override every other emotion in your mind, such as the  fear of looking foolish and embarrassment at having to wear the stupid pink sweater my mom picked out for me. It even blocked out the sadness I felt for Becky for her dad's absence. But that's okay. It's nice just to be blissfully, innocently joyful sometimes.