When I was about thirteen years old, I went to my cousin Becky's wedding with my dad. The wedding took place in October 2006. When I was first asked, I didn't want to go. Then I thought it might be fun, and so at the last second, I said yes and packed my bags. 

I'm so glad I did. 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 for her to walk down the aisle, the atmosphere of the room became decidedly somber. The reason was because a few months earlier, her father had left her mom and the family unexpectedly. We never really learned why. I know that it was really hard on my grandparents and dad, to say nothing of poor Becky and her brothers. Her grandfather was the one to walk her down the aisle. I felt sad for Becky because I know she wanted her dad to be there, but I was also very happy when she reached the altar and the vows were said.

The highlight of the evening was definitely dancing with my dad. It started when I went out to dance to a few songs with my dad, who was 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 excitement and happiness caused me to drop my inhibitions and shyness for one night and just enjoy myself. For once, I wasn't sitting at a table wanting to go home like I often am at parties. I was trying to coax my cousin Laura into dancing. I was doing the conga with my uncles. I was watching my hyperactive second cousin run around on the dance floor in her little white-and-red dress. I even took off 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 overrode the sadness I felt for Becky in her father's absence. But that's just fine. It's nice to simply be blissfully, innocently joyful sometimes.