"I don't know. I just can't stop crying."
That was how my wedding day began. I have heard of grooms passing out and bride's jitters, but I was a basket case. My sweet mother kept reassuring me that if I didn't want to go through with the wedding it was all right. But that was not my problem. I wanted to get married, but I was terrified of getting married. What if I was making a huge mistake? Would my life be ruined?
But then I'd think about him and I couldn't imagine my life without him.
By the time I reached the First Methodist Church, my anxiety had become nervous laughter. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing. The wedding took place at 3:00 PM. I barely remember the ceremony.
I remember that I was doing well until my brothers came through the receiving line. They looked so serious -- almost as if they were attending a funeral. Then I began to bawl again.
What did Barry's mother and father think? They probably were afraid their son had married some kind of a mental case. Luckily they had known me for almost a year.
On that lovely sunny day, much like today -- which would have been our 47th anniversary --I embarked on a journey with the kindest man, the wittiest man, a man who would protect me and do all he could to make me happy. What a journey with its ups and downs, its peaks and deep valleys that we traveled together never giving up on each other or our marriage, even when days were darkest.
I loved his family and he loved mine. We felt we had it all, and we did. We really had all that mattered.
Miracle of Love
for Barry
You brought me spring in winter.
The cold melted away,
as jonquils bloomed
and tulips tilted delicate edgestoward the sun.
You brought me sunshine
in the storm.
As dark clouds raced past,
you opened mirrors in blue sky
to reflect the butterflies.
You brought me youth when I was old,
you found my childhood self.
You touched my soul with tenderness,
a touch of love so deep
my spirit wept.
