WoW Sunday

Last night I had the privilege to witness a vow renewal ceremony of a couple that has been married for 58 years this coming Tuesday. As I watched the groom (we were sitting at the brides back) I could clearly see the love and devotion he had to his wife. As he re-committed to loving her there were tears in his eyes and he was clearly overcome with emotions. The thought went through my mind that I want that with my husband (because he’s my rock I know I will).

Before the ceremony there was a book reading with Ann Aguire, Zoe Archer, Vivian Arend, Lauren Dane, Tessa Dare, Megan Hart and Courtney Milan. For the ceremony Lauren and Vivian sat with Laura and I where we had a fun discussion on our children (Lauren’s kids and mine are around the same age).

After the ceremony I said all the authors “That ladies is why we read romance.” During the reception I was standing with Lauren and the couple and they were telling us a bit about their story. On the night they met the groom told his friend the minute he saw her that she was going to be his wife someday. There was only one small problem he was going with the brides best friend at the time. It didn’t matter to him he knew she was it for him. (hmmm how many times have we read that in a romance novel?)

Watching these two people who have been married for so long interact reminded me of the example each of my grandparents have set for me on what marriage and love mean. Both sets of grandparent were married for more than 60 years. One of grandfathers passed away a year ago and my grandma was inconsolable for a long time. Neither set had had an easy life, both dealt with war, the loss of a child, poverty, sickness, wayward children and grandchildren, rough patched in their marriage. And they weathered it together. Leaning on each other. They were and are each others best friends. That is what I saw again last night. I don’t know the couples whole story but you could clearly see the love and devotion that they had for each other after 58 years of marriage.

Here are some pictures from last night…I didn’t realize I didn’t get any of the couple until this morning 🙁 and the picture of me with Lauren and Courtney is a bit blurry but what can you do 🙂 and I gotta love that double chin on me in the picture with Lauren and Vivian..