Hand in Hand

 "I could conquer the world with one hand as long as you're holding the other." (Lauren Alaina, US singer)

Our wedding anniversary is 3 days away and I wrote this as a gift to my wife and best friend, Deborah.

September 24 2006 - Truly a Beautiful Day

This adventure we call our lives together began 18 years ago, and there was a simple physical act that night that forever changed me and my world.

I was sitting next to you in the restaurant lobby on our 1st date. I was nervous, but trying bravely to pretend that I wasn't. Yet you knew. As I've learned over the years, you have always known me better than I've known myself. That is my blessing - and that is one of the reasons why I'm sure I fell in love with you. So, sensing my tension, you quietly did something that I've never forgotten. What sparked you, I don't know - Kindness? Compassion? Simple Human-ness? Perhaps all of this. But there's no doubt this simple act by you left an indelible mark on me.

You reached over and you held my hand.

And from that day forward to today and beyond, that has been the strongest symbol of the love and life that we have shared ever since.

You and Me. Hand in Hand.

There is not a day that has gone by in which we haven't strolled, sat, or stood next to each other, hand in hand.

Other people (usually "older folks") will see us and say "Isn't that nice! You never see people holding hands anymore!". Or they'll tell us "You two lovebirds make me smile". And we smile back and thank them. 

It may be a rare act in the world today to do what we do. But for us it's as natural as breathing. To be Hand in Hand.

We've shared adventures, great and small. Explored distant countries. Hiked forest trails. Sailed high over lakes. Wandered through deep canyons and quiet cathedrals. And strolled miles and miles of ocean beaches. All hand in hand. 

Wee've faced sad and difficult times as well. The deaths of loved ones. Sicknesses and surgeries. Betrayals and disappointments. Times when the whole world seems in chaos. Times when the cold winds of anger and frustration have swirled around and through us. 

And yet, no matter how dark these moments have felt at times - impenetrable and perpetual - Love's eternal presence has always been proven to us by a simple act that we each have remembered, no matter what. 

We reach out to the other. And we start again. Hand in Hand. 

If there ever was a theme song for our relationship and the love we have shared it is the beautiful piano solo by David Nevue that our friend Kate used to play at times for our Sunday classes. It always brought tears to my eyes as I listened to her play. I'm listening to it now as I write this, as it still touches me the same. 

No surprise as to its title. "Hand in Hand". 

Hand in Hand - by David Nevue

If I could, I'd play this song for you as you read this. Somehow, someway, I probably will. The music says things that my heart wishes to - but that my words cannot. 

So, as our 17th anniversary draws near, I just wanted to share these thoughts and feelings with you - out of gratitude and from love. They are the most precious gifts I can give you today. 

"I don't know where my road is going, but I know that I walk better when I hold your hand." (Alfred de Musset, Fr. poet)

And I make a simple promise that I will never stop reaching for your hand. May Love continue to guide us and enrich us. May it continue to be what holds us together as our Life journey goes on. No matter which way the road turns...no matter how high the hills or deep the valleys...sunny or stormy...I know one thing will always be true.

You and Me. Together. Hand in Hand.

Celebrating 17 years together in Sunriver 2 weeks ago

I love you always Sweetie. 

Your Jonathan