A Petal in Hand: A Dedication to my Husband

On this day, 27 years ago, I stood behind closed wooden doors, waiting anxiously for them to open and hoping I wouldn’t falter or stumble.  That the next steps I would take would be into a new life that would bring me peace, love and protection.  And as I waited, my hands shaking, a little white petal fell from my bouquet and slowly floated back and forth, until I caught it ever so gently in my hand.

One door opened and eyes peered back at me for a second to make sure I was ready.  After a nod from the doorman, the second door opened wide, and I was engulfed in the grandness of the space.  The red velvet and wooden benches.  The tall ceilings and brightly colored stained windows.  The onlooking of friends and family.  I grabbed my father’s hand tightly, and he squeezed my hand back and said, “Are you ready?” And I whispered, “Yes.”  

The music started and the daisies trembled with every step I took down the aisle that day, until I saw your eyes and your smile.  And at that moment, I didn’t care anymore if I faltered or stumbled.  Or tried new steps and failed.  Or let go of the one hand I knew all of my life to hold another.  To hold yours.

And this is the way it has been since the afternoon of May 2, 1987.  I’ve never worried about being me.  I’ve never worried about where we’d go.  Because I have always known that just like the little white petal floating safely from its home that you would always be there to support me ever so gently, holding my hand.  And I look forward to holding your hand for the rest of my life.

Your forever loving wife, Sandie

Dedicated to Charlie

May 2, 2014