During our wedding, we didn’t recite our wedding vows. This was my fault. I wasn’t too confident about speaking in front of a crowd about my feelings. Between the two  of us, Pocholo is the better speaker. He’s also the more vocal one. After much debate, he agreed to forego the vows. But for those who attended the wedding, you probably know about his surprise vows and song at the end of the reception. He really didn’t want to let the moment pass without a speaking engagement (haha). I was truly touched by his sweet,  sincere gesture of love. What he didn’t know was that I actually also had my vows. I wrote them and handed it to him the night of our wedding. 

And here it is…

More than anything, for me, today is a celebration of Thanksgiving. I give thanks for the gift of life – its twists and turns and ups and downs, have brought me to you. 

I give thanks for the gift of family – the person that stands before me is a product of the guidance, love, and nurturing of a wonderful family.

I give thanks for the gift of love – the love of God that has manifested itself in you.  

There is too much to be thankful for, really, and today I vow to work hard every day to be the best steward of all these gifts, most especially the gift of having you from now ’til forever. And what better way to show my gratitude to the Giver than by holding steadfast to the meaning of today’s promise. Know that from now on, you have a life partner, a friend, a companion, and a wife who will strive to give you and our future family the best. While my domestication skills need some work, rest assured my determination will win over this and we will survive! :)) I will stand by you when triumphs elate you, and when trials shatter you. I will make our home a loving haven for our future children to grow into the fullness of their true beings. And,  I will be at your aide when time steals you of your youth. So let me end by saying thank you. Thank you, Pocholo, for unveiling a future with you I thought I would never have. And thank you Lord for today, and everything that led up to this moment. You are truly the master ochestrator and we fully entrust to You this new life. 

Pocholo, thank you for teaching me to trust Life and to believe in what is yet to come. Every day is a learning experience with you, and I’m loving every moment of it. Looking forward to unraveling what’s in store for us in the years to come!