When unofficial becomes official...part 2

Once our engagement became official, we decided to tell our family and friends of the news. Mr. Nee promptly changed his facebook status while I wanted to wait until I told my family. I messaged my sister and she was very happy for us and I informed her she would not have to wear a tacky maid of honor gown for the ceremony. I called my mom that morning and she seemed a little underwhelmed. I was hoping she would be a little bit more excited for me and Mr. Nee. I tried calling my dad several times but there was no answer. I called him the following day after I have moved everything into my room in Santa Barbara. My dad, for those who do not know, had a stroke seven years ago. His memory is slowly deteriorating, it takes him longer to process things and physically, he moves a lot slower than most people. I recently found out he no longer knows how to dial long distance phone numbers which explains why he has not called neither me nor my sister in over two years. When I was talking to him on the phone he asked me if I was still single. He has met Mr. Nee several times, we have gone out to breakfast with him probably about half a dozen times, attended several family functions together, and even went on some outings with just the three of us. I told him I was engaged to Mr. Nee and he responded, "Who's Mr. Nee?" Its heartbreaking and frustrating that my father cannot remember who Mr. Nee is. My father then asked me if I was pregnant. This pissed me off so much because he thinks that would be the only reason why anyone would marry me. So I was pretty frustrated and disheartened by both my parents' reactions to our engagement. When I called my grandmother Dot, she was genuinely excited and happy for us, so that lifted my spirits a little bit.

My family lives in Ventura county which is only about an hour or so away from Santa Barbara. I decided to visit them last week since I had not done so in a couple months. My mother and grandmother Elsie seemed much more excited than when I spoke to them on the phone. They wanted to know how Mr. Nee proposed, why we chose a non traditional ring (which they both loved and were completely understanding about), and about the wedding date. My mother and I then had a nice lunch in the local mall and we discussed some wedding details (type of ceremony, bridal party, etc.). I was relieved that she is happy and excited for me and Mr. Nee.

After lunch with my mother, I went to pick up my dad and take him over to grandmother Dot's house. He had completely forgotten about the engagement and seemed shocked when Dot brought it up in conversation. Two of my bjillion cousins were over to have dinner, so it was nice to share the news in person with some other family members.

I thought my family would make a much bigger deal out of it but I am glad they didn't. It seemed like both my mother and Dot suggested that a simple wedding is always the best. If it was up to me, Mr. Nee and I would have a courthouse wedding but I would like there to be some sort of ceremony for my parents and grandparents as well as for Mr. Nee's family to participate in.