To have and to hold ....

"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish to death do us part."

- Book of Common Prayers

We recently attended a family friend’s wedding; Lance was part of the entourage, the bible bearer and my MIL, is one of the principal sponsors.

What is it with weddings that really move my heart?

Actually, we celebrated our ?th wedding anniversary last May 16, I guess that’s why I’m quite emotional. As always, I played on the part of a stage mom, taking pictures of the bible bearer from the line to the march. Hmmm … but when I saw the bride walking down the aisle, ouch?!? I felt a thump on my chest. I never had the wedding of my dreams, but due to the insistence of our parents, we had to do it so that our union will be blessed. I can vividly remember the day we said, “I do!” It was the day I vowed to love the same man forever. .. And I still do.

Life was not that easy for us … financially? We really have to do it on our own. As I look back, I thank God for doing so, because now we have weathered so much and it made our marriage stronger. We have learned to appreciate the little comforts that we have right now and be thankful for it each and everyday. A quote from Joseph Campbell that I always remember ---

“When you make a sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.” -

Oyie, the groom, really took his time in choosing his bride. I guess it’s the trend nowadays! Be more emotionally, financially and spiritually stable.

I also noticed how technology has changed the trend of today’s weddings well in my days… it will take two to three weeks before you can get your pictures and your video. Well, today you can watch the wedding during the reception. So, what’s next?

To Oyie and Lhes,

As you enter this new chapter in your life, may you continue to call on the good Lord for continuous blessings. May you have love and find it by loving each other. I pray that you be showered with stength to weather all the storms that life will bring.