IBTISH: Chapter 7

May 22, 1999

Gary and Nancy Rinehart are proud to announce the wedding of Tisha Noel Rinehart to Mr. J. Mark Graham.

Today’s the time . . .
When joy joins to glad.
A toast to you both
From your mom and dad.
We LOVE you both.
Your futures ARE bright.
A color shines forth,
The color is White.

God Bless!!!

It is hard to explain how wonderful the wedding was. It was magical. Here are a few words friends had to explain that night.

Lorraine Dyson

On Saturday evening Bob & I attended the wedding of Nancy Rinehart’s daughter Tisha. Both Nancy and her husband, Gary, had worked hard to give their daughter a dream wedding. It was held at their church, Calvary Lutheran, here in Solana Beach. The church, if you know the Rinehart’s, is truly like a second home to them. Gary was instrumental in the new building drive and overseeing the construction project, and both of them in the choir, retreats, fund-raisers and numerous other church activities.

As the guests settled into the Sanctuary, their Pastor informed us that although Tisha was not feeling well, they had decided to still go on with her long awaited wedding to Mark Graham. The pastor explained that Tisha had vertigo from an inner ear infection and was very dizzy. She had been at the Emergency Room as recently as 4 hours earlier getting medication to help her through her wedding. He went on to say that she might even have to sit down during the ceremony if she felt she was spinning. And then it was "On with the Wedding!'” Beautiful music filled the room with the opening song... "From This Moment!" sung by two outstanding young people.

Standing at the alter; waiting for his bride, Mark looked every bit the happy and excited Groom. With dark, handsome good looks, he was smiling with a comfortable ease.

After the maid of honor, her sister, Brooke and the bridesmaids, the most beautiful Bride walked down the aisle. We were all on pins and needles watching her with admiration as she walked gingerly. On either side, were her parents assisting her and as she took her place next to Mark. She was breathtaking; her blonde hair was swept up in a French Twist with her veil floating behind her. Her gown was simple, yet elegant, with delicate thin straps encrusted with pearls following the neckline and down the back. She looked regal and I thought of Princess Diana. Her eyes were luminous and her skin was flawless. Later, while greeting her at the reception, I noticed that to the touch her tanned arms were as soft as rose petals (just like her Mom's).

The ceremony was beautiful. All weddings are. But this one was different. We were all so captivated by Tisha's will to be there, by her family’s dedication and love, and by the lovely music selected. There were a few humorous moments and Tisha’s smile was radiant. And when they were pronounced Man & Wife and they embraced, their passionate kiss brought cheers and applause from all of us!

It was a beautiful setting in the church patio pavilion for a reception, due mostly to their attention to detail in renting tents, decorating the poles with live roses and vines; Gary even repainted the community hall, replanted the rose gardens and installed white arches throughout the grounds. Twinkle lights and netting created a soft canopy overhead with ivory linens and antique rose centerpieces adorning the tables. Nancy and Gary went all out to create a romantic ambiance and didn't miss a detail. Even the ladies restroom was draped in netting and guests were invited to use complimentary perfumes, nail files, hair sprays and even pantyhose. Anyone that's coordinated a wedding knows how much goes into it. Nancy did an outstanding job with the tables, the lights, the flowers, the menu! She orchestrated a 'Martha Stewart" wedding but with her own classy touch. This is a mother whose talented and loving hand was evident everywhere you looked.

As the guests mingled, a fantastic band started playing featuring a young fiddler and contemporary music. This was the couple’s favorite band from Lake Tahoe where they lived. There must have been 30 or 40 people there from Lake Tahoe -- all friends and admirers of Tisha and Mark. Although Tisha was obviously stepping ever so slowly and never turning her head or even her eyes sideways, lest she become violently ill, she knew Mark was always at her side and there for her. The food was delicious; the wine and special "Cosmopolitan" drinks were flowing. Everyone was having a terrific time! Tisha made it through the First Dance with her husband, and even with a distant look in her eyes, was stunning. You could see Mark nuzzle her with kisses on her forehead and cheeks asking her if she was all right.

For her emotional dance with her Father, the Musical Director; Stan Beard sang a customized version of “Butterfly Kisses.” There was hardly a dry eye in the place. I think Bob and Jim Woodhead were the most choked up. You could tell how emotional Nancy was just glancing at her. Gary never took his eyes off his beautiful daughter the entire dance, or all evening for that matter. No matter where she was throughout the wedding or reception, he would've been at her side in a second had she needed an arm to hold onto to. During the dance Tisha's eyes welled up with tears that touched our hearts to the core. Any moment it seemed she might collapse as she hugged her Daddy.

Although Tisha could hardly smile, she & Mark enjoyed the cutting of the Cake (and what a cake it was!) and the ceremonial champagne toast. The Best Man and others gave wonderful tributes to the couple and all deemed them the perfect match!

This was a wedding to remember -- the love, the music, the decorations. Most of all it was because of Tisha. She was a bride that will haunt one’s mind long after the wedding. Her beauty and poise under such painful conditions were so impressive.

Bob Dyson

On Saturday night, Loraine and I and all those in attendance at Nancy and Gary Rinehart’s daughter’s wedding were touched by an angel . . . Tisha Rinehart

Earlier in the day, I selfishly asked Loraine why am I going to this wedding . . . I have never met Nancy’s daughter.

Less than a minute into the evening, I knew why . . . all of us in attendance experienced a wonderful, spiritual event -- one that will stay with us for life.

We all entered the evening on the belief that Nancy’s daughter was suffering from an inner ear infection but that Tish, mark (her husband to be) and the family all elected to move forward with the wedding despite the medical concerns and her instability.

The minister made lite of the issue and comforted and prepared all of us in attendance for the daunting stare and instability of Tish during the ceremony.

Despite the preparation, all of us new the night was different, sensitive and very special as it unveiled itself as an example of the families love for Tish Rinehart.

It was also apparent that Gary and Nancy worked for months repainting the church and preparing every single detail to the ultimate degree for their daughter’s wedding. It was noticeable from the moment you arrived to the moment you left the church.

The music was special. The people singing were special and proud to have been selected to perform. The flowers were in full bloom and all was perfect for a special ceremony of life and love.

There was no feeling or discussion other than amazement at how perfect the setting was for the wonderful celebration of life for this beautiful couple.

As the evening went on we all grew accustom to Tish’s daunting stare but accepted it as her strength and the families strength in overcoming the obstacles of an inner ear infection.

As the evening drew to a close, the experience, the music selected, Tish, mark and the family all blended into a wonderful yet surreal experience for all involved. So much so that it was a source of discussion for all of us before, during and after the wedding. We all left thinking a much higher being planned this evening and event for all in attendance.

Just before Mark and T left the wedding reception, T came up to me and kissed me and thanked me for the best night of her life.

Sunday Morning

The following morning we attend church then return to the house for a Wedding brunch. T and Mark make it to the house around noon. Brunch is served then Mark and Tisha start opening some of the wedding gifts (most will never be opened). Tisha becomes tired and decides to lay down for a little while. Tisha wakes up in the early evening sick to her stomach again. Her vomit is ugly, green. We are worried. Nancy and Mark take Tisha again to Scripps Clinic Emergency Room. The same doctor as yesterday is there again. T is very sick. The doctor re-drugs T and waits for the drugs to take. They are at the hospital until after midnight. Nancy requests that Tisha be allowed to stay overnight for observation. She is told that they no longer have an observation bed available. T and Nancy emphasize her sore neck. The doctor x-rays her neck. Negative results. No further exam. T is sent home drugged up.

Monday Morning

Nancy is calling doctors in San Diego trying to arrange an appointment to start the “eply” maneuvers to help Tisha get over the dizziness and nausea. Most doctors are in their “Monday morning meetings”. She is also calling the ENT office at Lake Tahoe trying to get a prescription for the “eply” maneuver and Tisha’s medical records for the doctor in San Diego. They are also in their morning meeting. They finally fax us her medical records. An hour later, the prescription.

Mark is leaving early in the morning for one final business trip to San Jose before he and T leave on their honeymoon. On his way out, he tells me that Tisha threw up a little during the night but was sleeping. He had kissed her good-bye and told her he would be back in the late afternoon.

Around 8am, T wakes up and needs to go to the bathroom. She is having trouble standing up. Nancy and I believe it is because of the medication from the night before. I carry T to the bathroom and back to her bed. Her neck is sore and I rub it. The right trap is spasming. It responds to the rub down and T drifts off to sleep.

Wayne Multering, Mark’s friend, comes to the house bringing my Mom who has been staying at Mickey and John’s home during the hectic week of the wedding. Mom will be staying at our house until she leaves for Arkansas in a few days. Wayne is to leave today for his home in Florida. We arrange for Landon Beard to take Wayne to the airport for his departure at noon.

Around 9:30am, Nancy finally gets an appointment for T at 11 am. At 10am, T cries out with pain in her neck. I go into her bedroom and rub her right trap which is spasming again. Her neck relaxes and T goes back to sleep. I’m wondering why the neck spasms.

It is now time to take T to the doctor. Around 10:30am, Nancy is getting ready to leave. I go down to the car and bring it around to the front of the house to make it easier for T to get into it. Nancy goes to get Tisha at about 10:45am.