Today, you are getting married. Today, you are saying, “I like all of your flaws enough to take you as you are”. Today, they say, is the first day of the rest of your life. Today you say, I believe in you and in us enough to share the rest of that life, with you. And I have a little advice. Some advice I’ve shared with other friends and now I want to share with you.
Look at each other’s smiles today. And look into the other’s eyes. Look at how dashing he looks in his tux. And how brilliant she looks as a bride {because she will surely look flawless}. But most importantly, as a favor to me, if you might, look at each other’s hands.
As you grab each other’s hands today, look at them as they are intertwined. Commit the feeling of holding your hands together to your heart. Because so many things in life will change. The years will bring surprises and speed bumps and obstacles and celebrations that you can’t even imagine right now. But those hands. They won’t change. Sure, they will wrinkle. They will age. But the way that they support you, if you’re lucky, that won’t change. They will be the hands that will reach for yours first thing in the morning. They are the last thing you will clasp at night. They are the hands that you will hold as you exchange rings today. The hands that you will high five when your team scores a touchdown. The hands you will hold as you travel the world. The hands you will hold under the table at dinners with friends. The hands you will hold when you welcome a child into your lives. When you take your pup for a walk. And that you wrap around one another for a big hug at the end of a long work day.
These hands, will hold your hair back when you have a tummy bug. They will hold your hand as you push through contractions. They will hold yours tightly when you await news. They will be there when you toast glasses to life’s greatest moments. And they will hold you up in moments where you feel like you might fall down.
They will be the comfort in times that are hard. The familiarity in times that are normal. And the love line to the heart in times that are the most joyful that life will ever hold.
They are your hands to hold. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. As long as you both shall live.
So today, look at each other’s hands and know that while everything and anything may change, the way you feel when you wrap your hand in his, or in hers, that will never change. It will never fail. It will always be there. All you have to do, is reach for it.
I know this because you two are absolutely right for one another. You are committed to one another. And I know that each of you will always want to hold the hand of the other.
Much love on your wedding day. And on every day that will come.
