True, unfaltering, unconditional love.

Carl and I are so lucky to have the families that we do. We've been raised with families that love each other very much, and I know those values of marriage have been passed down from many generations before us.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Carl's family this past Saturday and while we were there, Susan got out a box of old pictures. In it, there was the following article in print form. I had never read it, but I am so glad I did. I emailed the editor and had her email me the archived version of the story that was published February 13, 2001 about Clay and Jane Murray, Carl's grandparents. I only wish you could see the enormous picture that goes with this article... it's of Jane kissing Clay's forehead and they are both grinning like the day they first met I imagine. It's beautiful.

I am so fortunate to know that I have found this love also. I know that if I were sick, Carl would be right there by my side, and vice versa. That's true love, true devotion. I know we'll have ups and downs, just as every marriage does, but I am along for the ride of a lifetime. They seem like the couple they based the movie "The Notebook" on, only happier. :)

My point: I am so excited to get married in Mexico, but that's not the climax of our story. We are at the very beginning of our life stories, and I can't wait to live out all the chapters. I look forward to vacations together, family holidays, starting a family, and just the ins and outs of everyday life. Not everyone will get to come to our wedding, whether it be for babies, prior committments, or other reasons. But know that you'll be there in spirit, and that all we ask is that you be there for Carl and I as we begin this journey into what will be the beginning of a beautiful marriage. So on this holiday season, I guess you could say that I am thankful for the future, but I am loving every second of the present.