I Still Remember: An Ode to A Wedding Annivesary

2009 September 6
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by Bonnie Gray

wedding-photoToday’s post is dedicated to my husband of six years, on the day of our wedding anniversary.

Honey, I was trying to think of the perfect gift to commemorate six years of bliss.  I wanted to buy you the new Camaro we saw in the Transformers movie, but nil chance, since I don’t play the lottery.  Then I thought, How ’bout putting together another memory book with our fave photos or burning you a CD of your favorite tunes?

Naw.  This year, I am dedicating today’s post to you with this ode of remembrance. 

I Still Remember

I still remember

the first time you walked into the room, a couple minutes early, before that evening’s time of fellowship.  you arrived right on time.

your expressions were quiet and reserved.  style understated.

the first emails you sent me.  you asked how i was doing.  we talked about how we liked our coffee black.

our month long email exchanges.  got me wondering why you hadn’t asked me out.

riding in your camaro, with a jack-in-the-box antenna ball.  bob marley playing through the speakers.  george strait among your faves.  made me laugh.

I still remember

our first date. so ordinary, i thought: a cup of coffee, a movie, and pizza afterwards.  how mistaken i was.  our connection was unmistakeably extraordinary.

how guarded i was, protecting my heart by keeping you at a distance with safe conversation.  with courage, you didn’t give up.  unfazed, you kept wooing me, disarming me with questions no one ever dared or cared to ask.

our first kiss.  i told you i didn’t want to be kissed until going three months steady.  under the shade of a willow tree, with a cool breeze blowing by, your arms wrapped around me, I changed my mind.

long talks into the night with the phone resting on my pillow because my hands were too tired from holding it.  we watched our rooms go from dark to sunlit, as we hung up to say goodbye before getting up in pain to go to work.

when i warned you that my life wasn’t so normal.  it’s complicated.  maybe you’d like to be happy with someone else.  i’d understand.

sanddollar

I still remember

the moment you dropped on bended knee with a ring in hand.  we were running around, collecting sand dollars washed up en mass by the tides.

walking down the aisle, seeing you smile through a bride’s veil.  you took my hand, among family and friends, we exchanged our lifelong vows.

the birth of our baby boys.  we were so clueless.  how our lives have changed.

the sleep deprivation. you sacrificing sleep, to take care of baby, so I could rest.

the difficult days in a difficult job.  you hung in there, providing for our family.

I still remember

your gift of listening, taking time to make conversation, year after year.  never tiring of hearing me talk, reading my writing, and eating semi-burnt food.

how you pour me a cup of coffee, help me fold the laundry, take out the trash.

you praying with me, dreaming with me, being my best friend.

Six years of happiness.  I still remember.  Everyday, we get up together and face the unknown. Thank you for giving me yourself and being faithful.  Thank you for being the safe place for me to hide when I feel like giving up.

You are God’s earthly reminder that there is heaven.two_of_us

I love you, Sweetie. Happy 6th Anniversary.

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12 Responses leave one →
  1. 2009 September 6
    Joe Chen permalink

    Ahhh…. SOOO SWEET! Happy anniversary you two!

  2. 2009 September 6
    Virginia Low permalink

    Hello Bonnie, so sweet!!! Congrats on your anniversary. May many more to come! BTW, love seeing your wedding pictures. You were really pretty! ; )

  3. 2009 September 6
    Catherine permalink

    This is beautiful! We will have been married 7 years in December. Your post made me cry, and smile. Your marriage sounds like the gift from God that it should be. I am so happy for you both, and for your boys who will see what God intends marriage to be. Happy Anniversary!

  4. 2009 September 6

    @Joe: Thanks, Joe!
    @Virginia: Thanks, Virginia! Yeah, I’ll have picture to show the grandkids to prove Grandma was young once. ;)
    @Catherine: Awww, our anniversary’s are one year apart. Thank you, Catherine!

  5. 2009 September 7

    Greetings Bonnie, My beautiful bride Lila and I will be celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary on October 9. Seeing this wonderful tribute from you reminds me to remember. It also lets me know that God’s grace is still active to save and to provide us, so much more than we could possibly imagine. Keep on loving and remembering! Your friend in Christ: Richard Wells

  6. 2009 September 7
    Philip permalink

    Bonnie, Happy Anniversary. May God continue to bless your marriage and family.

  7. 2009 September 7

    What a great post, Bonnie. The two of you are blessed to have found one another. Here’s to many, many more years.

  8. 2009 September 8

    @Richard: Thanks for sharing, Richard! And congrats to you both! 32 years!
    @Philip: How wonderful to “see” you here, Philip! Thanks for your words of blessings!
    @Billy: Yes, it is amazing how God orchestrates paths to cross. Thank you, Billy!

  9. 2010 February 12

    this brings a smile to my heart. :)
    Katy´s last blog ..I am most myself when… My ComLuv Profile

  10. 2010 February 13

    Mmmm….what joy! My husband’s and my anniversary is in a few days, and I’m hoping to create a similar gift for him. I’m so glad you’ve joined the Love Stories project and brought us all this glimpse into your six years of commitment, love, joy, and sacrifice.

    And the photos! Gorgeous!
    Ann Kroeker´s last blog ..Food on Fridays: Valentine’s Day Feast My ComLuv Profile

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