18 years ago today, I stood before the altar at the Sheine of St. Rita in Philadelphia and vowed to loved honor, and cherish the woman who in that moment became my lawful wedded wife.
And what a ride it’s been!
One apartment, three houses, a dog, six cars… Two amazing children, I’ve switched jobs, moved across several states, tradded. And the constant through it all has been the woman God graciously prepared for me nine months before my own birth (she’s a totalcougar). And I didn’t just get the girl. I came to find the best friend in my mother-in-law who has been such a dear companion and in her brother, his wife, their kids, her sister and son and husband, the cousins, the friends, the colleagues. When a man turns himself over to the Will of God, the surprises may give him whiplash, but the joys are never ending.
And why this date? When I got engaged, it was just two months after a terrible tragedy had claimed the life of my precious twenty-three month-old niece Fiona. She was my goddaughter. I was devastated as anyone would be. So young. But I took comfort in two things. Our faith teaches us that a baptized child before the use of reason must go straight to heaven and a spiritual bond exists between godparent and godchild. Although my prayers for her formation were now rendered moot, her prayers for me would be invaluable before the throne of the same Lord who beckoned that little ones like her be allowed to come to Him. I chose this date because it was her third birthday.
So, to my beautiful wife for whom I will never be quite what she deserves and who has lived beyond expectations to be my helpmate and partner, happiest of anniversaries, darling! And to my beautiful little saint, happiest of birthdays in a place where those things don’t really matter.
Today, I raise a glass to both of you!
Slainte!
Here now a passage from Proverbs 31: 10-31
10- Who shall find a valiant woman? far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. 12 She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. 14 She is like the merchant’s ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. 15 And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens.
16 She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. 17 She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. 18 She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. 19 She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. 20 She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor.
21 She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. 22 She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple is her covering. 23 Her husband is honourable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. 24 She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. 25 Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day.
26 She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. 27 She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. 28 Her children rose up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. 29 Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 