I Do

(A journal entry from June 2002 -- shortly before my marriage to Henry on June 30th. I think I intended to say these things to him as wedding vows.)

When you answered my personal ad three years ago, I had no idea that our first (of many) "Henry and Carrie" adventures had just begun.

I like to tell people that you are the reality of my dreams.

Through all the hurt and disappointment in my life I held on to the dream of you.

There were times I settled, made wrong choices or was led to believe I had found you. When, in reality, I wasn't ready for you. Instead, my mistakes gave me a chance to grow and change and prepare for the day we found each other.

I knew you were out there, I knew you were looking for me and I believed.

We stand here now, holding hands, and I know I am right where I have always belonged.

You are the love of my life, my soul mate, my best friend and my lover.

You are my strength, my voice and my quiet.

With you, my heart will always be full, my ideas and opinions respected and I will always be loved.

I promise to love, honor and respect you.

I promise to keep your heart full.

I promise to always love you.