Twenty years ago today my dad walked me down the aisle into Jan’s arms.
“I, Melinda, take you Jan…”
That was the moment I had dreamed about for years. Jan was the man I had hoped for, prayed for and waited for.
“To have and to hold from this day forward…”
We were young and in love – with our future together all figured out.
Now, 20 years later, I look back and smile.
“For better or worse…”
We’ve been through lay-offs, unemployment, moves, new jobs, illness, depression, droughts, floods, and a 10 year (and counting) house renovation.
We’ve survived 5 pregnancies, labors, and deliveries followed by 17 years of parenting.
We saw dreams come true, miracles happen, and God’s hand of blessing.
We’ve had less “richer” than “poorer“, but also less “sickness” than “health“.
We’ve laughed together, cried together, and sat quietly together when no words were necessary.
“To love, honor and to cherish from this day forward…”
His hand is the one I reach for, the shoulder I cry on, the smile I melt over.
He is my best friend.
“…until death do us part.”
Commitment.
I was talking to a good friend in church yesterday when she said, “My husband asked me to take a walk in the moonlight last night…”