October 4, 2012

White Dog snuggled against us. "Tell us the story, momma," she begged and the rest of the White Dog Army crowded around the bed to be included. Oso had never heard the story before and Steve lifted him into his lap.

Thirty-two years ago, I began, in the midst of rural Michigan, at a Boy Scout Camp, in the frosty early morning light dad and I officially began this amazing adventure. Bedecked with flowers and surrounded by friends (some who you know dearly and others you never met), and handmade banners, tall rich smelling pines, and chrysanthemums, dad and I walked together into the open air chapel hand-in-hand and announced that we were ready to join our lives and hearts and fortunes forever.

In front of a blue parka wearing minister and guests hugging each other in joy and for warmth, we pledged "Always." Then to music performed (and some specially written) with love, we began our journey together.

It has not always been calm, or easy, or blessed. There have been times of difficulty and pain; doubts and failures. But through it all we, dad and I, have had each other...and it has proven strong and miraculous enough to bring us through and to remind us of our incredible good fortune to have found each other.

The journey has been rich and full of opportunities to become better. We have been privileged in so many ways. We have shared the world. We know peace and balance and happiness...and after a long long long wait...We have you.

White Dog, The Mighty Quinn, Nuka Angel , Puff the Magical, YoYoMa and Oso the Fearless, each of you has blessed our union by becoming members of our family and joining our commitment of Always. So today we celebrate not just our Wedding Anniversary but a 32-year journey that has carried us to this perfect moment of togetherness and packness and love.

This was our wedding song...