Third Finger Left Hand(2/2/2024)

You had me wrapped around your finger ever since we were united on that September day. Although I felt that I have known you much longer because we really have no beginning.

As our house became a home, I could feel your warm palms as you washed walls, and prepared meals just as I could sense the chill in your hands when we formed that first snowman on that cold winter's day.

I was with you as you took a bold step and gripped the round steering wheel for the first time. We embraced innovative technologies and began a new millennium.

Together we crossed state lines traveling the country from sea to shining sea. We watched the sun rise over Maui and gazed at the stars above the Shenandoah. We dined in Lahaina; walked the beaches of Aruba and viewed the Great Lakes. We've been to the ocean floor and the top of great mountains. I showered with you in Niagara and stood before the Golden Dome. We viewed dolphins and whales and saw the elk graze, chased the fox at Bombay Hook and watched the eagle soar over blackwater.

We made baskets on Easter, dressed for Halloween, gave thanks on a special day, and gifts on Christmas. Then rang in the new year as the circle continued.

I have seen you mother many children but only three call you mom. You washed, fed, cleaned, and hugged each the same.

I felt the vibrations of your hands as we clapped for another base hit, art project award or musical recital.

We shared the joys of triumph, the bitterness of defeat and the knowledge gained along the way.

I felt the knot in your stomach when it was time for a youngest to fly but comforted by always knowing that home is where the heart is.

We hugged friends and welcomed new members to our growing family, then raised glasses on two special occasions.

Together we prepared care packages for those serving. I was with you as you set the table and prepared many holiday feasts. All were welcome none denied.

We petted an old friend goodbye as we sent him over that rainbow bridge knowing that although he was gone, he would never be forgotten.

We crossed the ocean and descended in a foreign land proving once again that love has no boundaries. Then we traveled under moon lit sky to fly our baby home to meet his newborn for the first time. Coming full circle and knowing there will always be room for more.

I listened as you whispered the words of a favorite Christmas story, as we turned the pages and completed another chapter in our lives.

Through the years we have lit many candles together and today we light one more. We've shared the good times, dealt with the bad, enjoyed the happy and cried with the sad.

Together we watched a war in the Gulf, the collapse of an evil empire, and the trial of the century. I felt the trembling of your hands as you picked up the phone on that terrible day when the buildings came tumbling down.

We celebrated World Series and Superbowl victories and survived a global pandemic.

For over three decades I have bathed in your sweat, been soaked in your blood, drowned in your tears and gleamed in your glory. And I stand ready to do it all again because we really have no end. I am pure but rare. I may not always shine but I will never tarnish or fade for I am a symbol of God's love and truly have a heart of gold.

It has been a long, long journey. Through it all I was always at your side. Third finger, left hand - I am your wedding band.