November 15, 2023 Nine Years Ago

I stared at the windows and caught the reflection of the crowd behind me. I couldn’t quite believe it was all so very real. My father sat in the front row, a glow of joy and relief beamed across his face. Behind the families,  our friends stood,  in anticipation. 

Anticipation of the event unfolding in front of them.

The sun dropped below the horizon. Music echoed through the room. 

The stunning sight of a beautiful woman strolled arm and arm with her father alongside the row of faces. All I saw was Krista’s shining face as she crossed the room.

Three floors of glass lit the main hall of the Crescendo, a stunning chalet on the slopes of Big White Mountain. The front room was the perfect place to declare our love for each other. We were in our happy place on the ski hill. Surrounded by love, things couldn’t have been better.

In eight short weeks, we planned the event of our lifetime. And now it was coming to fruition. Eighty of our closest friends and family joined us to celebrate our everlasting connection. A connection five years in the making. 

A connection to last a lifetime.

The room was alive, I could taste the energy. Then silence echoed around us as the minister began to speak. Her words a jumble in my memory. Nine years have passed since that glorious day.

I will never forget seeing my little girl walk in front of Krista. Her face lit up as she stood beside me. My best man smiled and handed me the ring. Krista stood beside her matron of honour, a slight tremble rippled across her body, I wanted to reach out but I knew it wasn’t time. There would be time for that later. 

We stared into each other eyes, and the world disappeared. All that was left were the words that we spoke.

“I will walk beside you.”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.”

Cheers echoed through the room. 

Music filled the air, and we danced into the wee hours of the night. It was a night I will never forget, but have tough time remembering any of the seconds that passed. I only remember the glow of the night and a time that stood still. I knew when the morning it would be a new beginning. And a final goodbye. I said my final goodbye that weekend to my dad. The man who raised me finished his days sharing my moment of love. 

So much has happened in those days and years since then. And it has made us so much stronger. 

That night nine years ago is one I will cherish until the day I die. My Dad was able to share it with me. My Father was as well. My biological father and my dad stood together to share one of the best days of my life. How amazing was that?

Krista has been my rock since that fateful day. Life isn’t always perfect and have had our moments. As every season passes and every year carries on, our love grows stronger.

I wish a very happy anniversary to Krista, thank you for being my wife. Here’s to nine wonderful years, and many, many more.