To my Dear and Loving Husband

It was thirty-six years ago tonight, June 30, 1973, that Mark and I exchanged wedding vows and became Mr. and Mrs. It's hard to believe so much time has passed since that special day, and I can say without equivocation that I love my husband more now than I thought was possible then.

Who knew that this cute little guy (here at 10 months old) would grow up to become the dear man he is today, that I would meet him, grow to love him, marry him, have five precious children with him, and continue to enjoy all of our years together?

Who knew that this little girl (here at 15 months) would grow up, meet her one and only true love in a high school German class, go to college with him, marry him, and forever treasure him?

Who knew? God knew. In His perfect plan and wisdom, He brought us together, made us one, and continues to bless and grow our love for each other. So, thank you, Lord, for Your work in our lives. We give You the all praise and glory for our marriage. Thank you, Mark, for walking with me on this journey called life. You are the best, and I love you so very much.

“To My Dear and Loving Husband” was written in the early 1600s by America’s first female poet, the Puritan, Anne Bradstreet. This poem has been on our bathroom mirror for ages, as it expresses my heart so completely. I share it below, in honor of our special day:

To My Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.