Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Choosing to love

Once upon a time, I dreamed of marrying a handsome prince who would whisk me away to a mythical castle and make all my dreams come true.

And then I grew up.

For most of us, that prince (or princess) doesn't exist. At least not in the way that we once imagined. Instead of Camelot we come face to face with a world that is not always so enchanting; a blemished Utopia. Marriage is not for the weak-willed, the noncommitted, the intolerant, disloyal or selfish. It is a work in progress, always changing, always challenging, always asking for intervention and action. It tests your heart, it shakes your roots, it blows against your sails, sometimes taking you into uncharted and unfamiliar waters. It asks for patience, consideration, faithfulness and dedication. And once given, they are sometimes stretched to the limit in a journey that tests them all.

Inside a photo booth this man (now my husband) and I sat, waiting for a flash to capture the mood. We should have displayed somberness, stress, worry and fear. I was awaiting medical tests and an uncertain future. But instead we seized the moment, grabbing joy and fun and living life as it is intended. And though sometimes it indeed, kicks you in the pants, you can counter the bruises with laughter, light-heartedness and the will to forge ahead, turbulence and all.

Perhaps our castle will never be built, and maybe our dreams haven't come true. But the prince who sticks by me through both the black and white and technicolor moments of life makes the wishing more fun and the magic, more real.

13 comments:

Nelly said...

What a beautiful post. I was almost in tears! Have a great day!

Mellissa said...

;-) At least you know he will never have cold feet Lori ((snicker)).

Nice post - and what a handsome prince you have there!!!

Mellissa

clew said...

Lori, this really speaks to me. Enough said :)

srp said...

It is obvious that you have truly found your "prince" and he his "princess". You are both blessed.

Michelle said...

You definitely have your fairy tale, even if it's not the exact same we dream about as little girls. I'm so very happy for you!

Anonymous said...

You are one good-looking couple!

Mike said...

I remember our talks about this subject. Remember way back when? I think we both have learned lessons.

Networkchic said...

Wow. I believe you are right, marriage is not for the weak willed. I wish we all knew that before we so blindly trudged ahead. But now I'm older and I know that and next time I'm married, it will be forever. I think you have that castle and the prince to go in it. Sometimes we get so caught up in what fairy tales are supposed to look/feel like, that we miss the chance to live happily ever after.

Cheryl said...

Even if life isn't always the fairy tale you've imagined, it's clear you have a prince. And as others have noticed, a handsome one as well! This is so beautifully written. I love coming here. Sigh...

Rebecca said...

This was beautiful. Simply beautiful. And honest. And pure. And real.

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Nice

Martie said...

Lovely ~ and you are so right about marriage not being for the weak. Marriage, like life in general, is a work in progress that requires a lot of hard work to make it work, and it is not a destination in and of itself.....it is a journey and luckily for some(including me) a fabulous journey at that!

Heidi said...

What a beautiful couple..I was smiling at this entry. :)