November 04, 2010

From This Day Forward

I was nervous. Months of planning with every detail a perfect reflection of us and it all came down to that moment. I couldn't look at my dad without wanting to cry so I stared straight ahead into my future. Into the face of the one person I would promise my life to.

I remember how long the aisle was and thinking that I would never make it to the front. How good it felt to have people we loved surrounding us.

I remember trying so hard to be present...to win the fight over letting my mind wander to meanlingless details that may or may not have been completed.

I remember loving my bridesmaid's dresses more than my own.

I remember my dad taking advantage of the moment he gave his first daughter to another man by telling Scot that he and my mom had prayed for him since I was a little girl. How happy they were to welcome him into our family.

I remember staring at Scot and promising him the world.

Fifteen years ago today.

I had no idea what our future would hold and how so many of those promises would be put to the test. I can't help but think what I would add to those promises if I said them all over again today.

I, Keri, take you, Scot, to be my husband.

To this day, out of all the men in the world, I take you. I choose you.

To have and to hold from this day forward.

I want to be one of those couples that I melt over. The ones that are old and gray, but still look at each other with tenderness and refuse to walk alone without holding the hand of their love. I want that for us.

For better or for worse.

I made this promise not knowing what better or worse was going to look like for us. I can honestly say that despite the worse, and there has been some significant worse for us, there is noone I would want to go through that with other than you. You are the better in my life.

For richer and for poorer.

This is the part of the ceremony where everyone chuckles. It helps when you start off poor, things can only get better, right? I am so grateful that the richness of our family is more important to you than monetary richness. You have proven this over and over again. Our family is rich because we have each other.

In sickness and in health.

We have not traveled through significant physical sickness with each other. Something I know we are both so grateful for. I think there have been times when we've been emotionally sick. When our hearts have been broken causing an ache and pain that no bandage or ointment can fix. It hasn't been easy for either of us, but we are still here. That's what matters, we are still here together.

To love and to cherish.

I think back to the moment I uttered those words on that altar and my love for you seems so trite. How much my love has grown through our experiences both good and bad. Through fighting for our marriage when it seemed hopeless at times, I know more today what love truly means than the day I first promised it to you.

Till death do us part.

Except that death won't part us because we each know where we are spending eternity. Not only do we know that, but it matters that we live a life that is worthy of eternity.

Fifteen years ago I stood at the altar and promised you the world having no idea what was in store for us.

Fifteen years later and I would make those promises to you again.

From this day forward......

8 comments:

  1. So very precious, and even more so because I got to be there 15 years ago. Today, I pray blessings on your marriage: Here is to another 15—no 50—years of unity and joy. Happy anniversary, Keri and Scot.

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  2. I cried again just reading about that significant event. I cried that day also. It was special and beautiful, and was such a privilege to be a small part of your wedding. And of course, I was remembering the day Charlie and I said those special words, which have been tested and proven time and time again, 43 years ago. We celebrate again with you God's wisdom and delight in the joining of your lives together. Marriage even gets better with time and age. It continues to be a privilege to see His good work in and through both of you. And, if you remember, the day after your wedding, after breakfast with your family, was the day Chris asked Charlie if he could marry Christie. So the weekend was significant for us in many, many ways. And life moves forward... demonstrating God's faithfulness and abundant blessings! Congratulations again. We're celebrating you!

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  3. Awwwww.....what a sweet post! I'm happy for you and envious (in a good way) all at the same time. You've found a great man and made a wonderful life for yourself How sweet that you Dad told him they had prayed for him. :)

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  4. Love it! More beautiful now than ever!

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  5. How beautiful.....

    Happy Anniversary to you & Scot.

    ~Becca

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  6. This is just a beautiful post from start to finish, Keri. I said an anniversary prayer for you two just now. It makes my heart all tingly and fluttery to hear you talk about your hubby with such love. And you guys look adorable in that last pic.

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  7. Beautiful, Keri!
    It is amazing how the day we get married, we don't think we could ever love that person more than we do that day. We can't comprehend the changes and challenges we will face through the years and how they will draw us closer to each other and to God.
    To grow old with the one person who knows you better than anyone else is the greatest reward! And, while growing old together, to be that couple that people look at and see that you are "intoxicated" with each other.
    May God continue to bless you and your family! May you grow more and more in love with each other. May you be an example for so many other couples.
    Happy Anniversary!

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  8. Barf.... Haha! Kidding!! It was an amazing day! I will never forget the rehearsal dinner "orange roughy" story!! Oh, and I have actually worn that bridesmaid dress 2 or 3 times since!! Let's see, a mystery dinner as a rich lady, a Halloween costume as a beauty contest winner and as a bridesmaid costume!!! Thanks for letting me be a part of your ever-after... Kay

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