On our Eighth Anniversary

Eight years ago Denise and I exchanged our vows at Beckwith Chapel surrounded by the love and the prayers of so many friends and our family. Today we find ourselves in the midst of caring for our Dads as they walk the long road towards healing.

Did we know that on this day eight years ago we would move from Florida to Colorado to Georgia as we answered God’s call to serve? Did we know that we would walk through the Valley of the Shadows with so many people, including our parents?

Did we know on that day what was in store for us? In a word, no. We exchanged our vows with hope, love, and faith, promising to live each day fully as the day that the Lord has made.

Thomas Merton offers this beautiful reflection on love in his book, Love and Living: Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.

I have found this destiny with Denise who is as we promised in our vows to be my partner, my friend, my lover, my wife. Happy Anniversary, my love ❤️❤️

Our Vows:

Michael/Denise, remembering that you are a gift from God, I promise to be your partner, your friend, your lover, your wife/husband.

I promise to be an attentive listener, a partner in God’s call on our lives, and your companion on this journey of faith and life.

I promise to pray with you and for you, to be compassionate and truthful, to weep with you and to laugh with you, to support and encourage you, to appreciate you, and to nurture your gifts.

I promise to faithfully walk with you, hand in hand, wherever life leads us, and no matter what, to celebrate each day as the day which the Lord has made.