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Looking
over the proverbial past of ups and downs of married life,
we may sometimes yearn for that feeling of new love and new
beginnings. However, once the road of life has begun to
bring us memories unmatched by any wishful thinking; looking
back truly becomes a gift of timeless treasures, especially
if it is viewed through love.
Over
twenty-seven years ago, I received an offer I couldn't
refuse ... the opportunity to join hands with my high school
sweetheart in holy matrimony. The excitement of starting a
life together, raising a family, and walking hand in hand
through the "sickness and health" and the "poorness or
wealth" was a feeling of sheer joy.
They say
that ignorance is bliss, and that may be true, but would
anyone walk forward in life, if they were told only of the
struggles they might encounter? The beauty of beginnings is
that we are able to build on them, one experience at a time.
The beauty of experiences shared, is that we are able to
look back over our shoulder and say, "I have learned much
and I wouldn't have it any other way."
As I
perused over the many love notes that my husband and I
exchanged in our early days of dating and engagement, I
found this poem I had written to him. In it I see a young
girl dressed in white, holding out her hand in anticipation
of every Cinderella story ever told; yet aware that the tale
will inevitably be seasoned with real life trials as well.
It is as if she is saying, "C'mon life ... bring it on. Our
love can handle it all!"
I close my
eyes, thinking of the three wonderful children we have been
blessed with, the places we have moved to, the laughter we
have shared, and the tears we have shed. I wander through
the years of memories like a pirate searching for lost
treasures - only to find that, all this time, I was carrying
them right here, deep in my heart.
"Life can
be messy," I've heard it said. Sure it can, but who would
want it any other way? As I read the following poem, that I
wrote to my future husband so many years ago, I nod my head
in agreement, whispering the words, "yes, our love can
handle it all." And it has.
A Letter
from Your Bride to Be
Dear Mark,
The night
does not alarm me
And weary I should be.
Yet all I do is think of you
In soft serenity.
I longed for you today, my love.
I ached within my being
But in my mind, you dwelt close by
Though distance lay between.
I feel your strength securely
I see your masculine pose
You touch my cheek, my love you seek
And gently hold me close.
In this intimate stillness
You ask me, "Please be mine?"
Respect
and love, we both speak of
And begin to plan the time.
The future lay before us
May the trials and joys unfold??¦
So take my hand, you are my man
Yes, together, we'll grow old.
For I
cannot live without your love,
You've magnified my life,
And how I long to hear you say,
"This day, you are my wife."
All my
love,
Ginger
?©
1976--Ginger (Olson) Boda
I still
feel the same way I did in the beginning ... even after all
these years. The only difference is I am not only looking
forward to more of life's gifts unfolding before us; I am
able to look back over the treasures that have already
enriched us. Through the looking glass of love, there
is much to see.
Ginger
Boda -
Rhymerbabe @ aol. com
?© 2004
Ginger is
an award winning author for Starfish, and contributor to
various online publications, such as Heartwarmers,
Moments_Of_Reflection, Write2theheart, Insight of the day,
2theheart, Storytime_Tapestry, HeartTouchers and Emerging
Courageous. One of her stories is featured in Chicken Soup
For The Bride's Soul, which was released in January 2004.
Ginger weaves faith, tradition and humor into her stories
and poetry, writing from her heart. She has penned her
thoughts since childhood, writing mostly for her loved ones,
until last year when she began to share her works with the
public. She is eternally grateful for all the encouragement
and friendship she has encountered on her journey.
Ginger
resides in Southern California with her husband, Mark and
three grown children, Jason 25, Danny 22, and Alisha 20. |
