the ninth

The plan is to take a second honeymoon/anniversary trip of sorts next year, for our tenth wedding anniversary. So hopefully I'll have more fun and exciting tales to regale next year as opposed to the take-out Chinese and new kitchen light installation that is this year's celebration. (although I personally find new kitchen lights to be extremely exciting and romantic!)(and yes, that means I'm officially old.)

Meanwhile, since we need something a little mushy and reminiscent on this special occasion, I thought I'd share this which was one of my (2 dozen) favorite parts of our wedding ceremony, nine years ago today:

"Heather, please face Ryan and hold his hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his ife.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin to look into his eyes; eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.
These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost dreams.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach so that he too can feek his child stir within you.
These are the hands that look so rough and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby and looks in awe at the life you created together.
These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime together.

Ryan, please hold Heather's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, making a home for your new family.
These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings after you've both had a long, hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have a child, that together you have created a new life.
These are the hands that will hold each of your children in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, teaching, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieveing.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime together.

Lord, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held in love by one another. Give them strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in Your grace; rich in caring, and devoted to lifting each other up. May Ryan and Heather see their four hands, together, as a reflection of Your hands; healing, protecting, sheltering, uplifting and guiding them together throughout their life. This we ask in Your Name, Amen."

Happy Anniversary Ryan. I'm glad we're still holding hands. :)