Thirty Seven Years Ago Today

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Before God and this gathering, I vow from my heart and spirit that I will be your wife/husband for as long as we both shall live.

I will love you with faithfulness, knowing its importance in sustaining us through good times and bad.

I will love you with respect, serving your greatest good and supporting your continued growth.

I will love you with compassion, knowing the strength and power of forgiveness.

I will love you with hope, remembering our shared belief in the grace of God and His guidance of our marriage.

“And at home, by the fire, whenever you look up, there I shall be–and whenever I look up, there will be you.”

(our wedding vows for our September 19, 1981 wedding at First Seattle Christian Reformed Church — the last line adapted from Thomas Hardy’s  “Far From the Madding Crowd”)

 

 

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I want to remember us this way—
late September sun streaming through
the window, bread loaves and golden
bunches of grapes on the table,
spoonfuls of hot soup rising
to our lips, filling us
with what endures.
~Peter Pereira from “A Pot of Red Lentils”

 

 

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I cherish the moments that are most basic, plain, and simple and have the best chance of happening again.  I’m not talking about exotic travels, nor the extravagant meal out, nor the once in a lifetime experience. My most cherished moments are everyday, and I store them up to fill the decades full.

Most cherished of all is “that look” that says “I want to look into your eyes forever and get lost there.”

I am lucky enough to know what that feels like.  I get that butterfly in the stomach feeling anytime it happens.  My husband held my eyes with his from across a room early in our relationship, and thirtyseven years later, he still holds them when he looks at me, even over bowls of soup at the kitchen table.

And I look at him just that way as well.  The eyes say what words cannot.  The eyes don’t lie.  The eyes never change even though the years bring gray hair and crow’s feet.

It is what endures. I want to look at you forever, just like this, just as you are, wherever you are because of who you are.

 

View More: http://karenmullen.pass.us/gibson-order

24 thoughts on “Thirty Seven Years Ago Today”

  4. Most beautiful wedding gown ever! Perfect vows! Delightful couple, who have been blessed by the LORD to live them out
    . Thank you for sharing your celebration day with us Emily! My husband and I have been enjoying those “simple things” too, now for 61 years, by God’s grace and faithfulness. I’m so happy for you!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Many thanks for sharing your special day(s)!  May you have many more! Bill ( a.k.a. Old Turtle 🐢) MooneySylvia and I recently had our 60th day! 😁

    Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Thank you all for your wonderful words of encouragement. I have reloaded the pictures since they didn’t turn out right at all and now, if you really want to see what we looked like 37 years ago today, they pictures are enlarged appropriately!
    blessings all,
    Emily and Dan

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Many congratulations to you both!
    Laura and I have been married about 10 years less than you but I also love to gaze into her eyes and get lost there. Those moments always take me by surprise; often taking place across the table and usually accompanied by the thought, “You have the most beautiful eyes!”

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Thank you for sharing your vows, your artistic vision and your anniversary with a host of strangers. May you both be blessed as you’ve blessed so many.
    Sally

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  22. I have just recently begun to follow your blog. This particular post is particularly touching. I think by sharing something so personal, you set an example for others of what life on this earth can be. That may not be your intent, but I definite think it can be the result for those that listen. Peace be with you.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Dear Emily, I have read this at least once every day since you first posted it earlier this week, and without fail it brings tears to my eyes. Without a doubt the two of you were blessed by God. But perhaps as important: you made Him a part of your vows and your life. Would that this be true for every couple embarking on marriage! Our daughters have started a “StoryWorth” project for me with a different topic every week. May I have permission to quote from your post? Blessings to you and all your family, Betsy

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