4 Wonderful Years

Four years ago today, James and I did this
and this.
and this.
and Sky did this.
and our friends and family did lots of this.
and this.
and this.
And it was one of the most wonderful days of my life.

And during the wedding, our Justice of the Peace shared these beautiful words (or words very similar to this, I don't remember exactly but it sounds about right.) Little did we know what the next four years would bring.

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow,
and as in today, tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children,

the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

And in 4 years we have experienced more love, more loss, more joy and more grief than we could have ever imagined. And though depending on my travel plans we may not get to spend our anniversary together (again!) we thankfully have an entire lifetime to continue to celebrate what a great day July 8th was. Maybe next year we'll finally do it up right!