WE LOCKED EYES

The church doors opened, and all I saw was you. Not the friends and family gleaming on either side of the aisle, or even the photographer following us with flashing lights could distract me from your eyes. I felt my Dad’s strong grip around my arm, but it was your misty eyes that remained my focus. You took my hand; I studied your eyes. Under the alter light, I gazed into the deep turquoise and dark golden rings that encased your pupils; in your eyes I saw pure joy and excitement for what was to come, but more importantly I felt your love. It was palpable, like a gust of wind that lifted me higher than cloud9 for the entire 30 minute ceremony.

Fast forward nearly 8 years…

The operating room doors opened, and all I saw was you. Not the doctors and nurses prepping me on either side of the table, or even the anesthesiologist whispering updates in my ear could distract me from your eyes. I felt the surgeon pulling and tugging on my belly, but it was your misty eyes that remained my focus. You took my hand; I studied your eyes. Under the fluorescent medical light, I fixated on the brilliant ocean blue and little flecks of gold that encased your pupils; in your eyes I saw raw fear and heartache for what was to come, but more importantly I felt your love. It was palpable, like a tight hug that swallowed every ounce of my unwelcome despair for the entire 30 minute surgery.

This past year, Theodore, our sweet baby boy, managed to strengthen our marriage in unimaginable ways.  Teddy may have had half a heart, but he was definitely blessed with Daddy’s eyes. And even to this day, I still get to study those eyes; in your eyes I see Theodore’s same ‘strength and courage’ for what is yet to come, but more importantly, I feel your love. When we first locked eyes, I’m so grateful that I threw away the key, Michael Nelson.  

Happy Anniversary.

July 28th, 2012

Alexandria

… join me by #FallingRightSideUp 

when life gets turned upside down

Psalm 46:5