Today marks our ninth wedding anniversary.

Nine years ago today we said ‘I do’ and I can honestly say we are even more excited about our life together and even more in love now than we were that day.

To mark the occasion I thought I would share this beautiful reading that was part of our wedding ceremony. It still brings tears to my eyes when I read it.

These are the hands….

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work tirelessly for you and your new family.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and care free, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go.

These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings after you’ve both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that you will hold in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams.

Together as a team, everything you desire can be realised.

Author Unknown

Back then this was a blueprint for our future, all the things we had to look forward to. And today, it is our reality (though Kaine would question the apparent lack of neck massages!).

Happy anniversary, darling.

xx