Anniversary

A year ago today I married the man of my dreams. This year has flown by with nothing but exciting adventures and celebrations. It was a year of monumental “Firsts”, from expecting our first child to buying our first home. We have truly been blessed and I couldn’t have imagined a more ideal fairytale beginning.

When Todd and I got married, we chose to write our entire ceremony. Fortunately we had an amazing officiant who worked with us! (Thanks Uncle Pat!) On this special day, I would like to share with you my favorite part of our ceremony: The Blessing of the Hands. 

Officiant (Uncle Pat): We would like to take a moment to bless the hands of Todd and Heather.  For it is through the hands that we demonstrate our love and commitment to one another.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you.

They are being held by yours on your wedding day as you two promise to love each other for the rest of your lives. 

These are also the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future and share your inner most dreams and secrets together.

These are the very hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief threatens to overwhelm you. 

The hands that you hold are the same hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These too are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are also the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another.  Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace.  May Todd and Heather see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.                                          

I love you Todd Michael Shappard!