17th Wedding Anniversary

As we celebrate our 17th Wedding Anniversary

I share this poem of our life together

We were a lucky young couple with no idea of the journey we would take together as man and wife. We had such an amazing wedding and reception surrounded by our family and friends. So many loved ones all came together to celebrate us.  Memories we will never forget no matter how many years pass.
It began for Ken and I as a wonderful friendship and grew to be so much more. Here is our story in a poem I wrote just for him but share now with all of you.

Sitting under a small shade tree upon a hill

     wondering what lay ahead.

I was lonely, regretful, and confused

     sitting in my sadness.

You came to sit nearby

     and you were lonely too.

We talked and dreamed and talked some more

     as the sun lowered in the sky.

Our thoughts, fears, dreams, goals floated freely

     from our hearts and mouths 

     to mingle in the dark stillness.

Twinkling stars winked at us, 

     the celestial reminders that in the darkness

     magical mysteries are revealed. 

We found peace in each other's presence

     souls connected by a bond

     of care and understanding.

The shelter we shared together grew

     blossoming like our love.

We moved closer under the tree

     on the carpet of blooms

     enjoying the perfume released by the petals.

Tingling excitement at the touch 

     of your warm hand in mine.

You held me in your heart

     and we knew we would be forever.

Together we could be strong

     united by a common vision of life

     in this world where we knew all of the answers.

Vows of commitment for eternity

     made our family tree strong.

No storm could break the roots free 

     from their grasp deep in the soil. 

A longing grew between us 

     to share our love and lives.

So our tree bore fruit that added

     such sweetness to our souls.  

We would never be the same. 

Our vision of the world lengthened

     beyond our hill and stretched the universe.

The dark stillness held new mysteries

     to which we had no answers.

Lessons were learned as our branches bent and twisted

     in the winds of time and tests,

     leaving some leaves quite ragged. 

At times we wondered and wished upon those same twinkling stars

     that the soil would not sink around us

     revealing our tender roots.

So much worry, pain and fear climbed into our tree

     wrapping its vines around our once strong branches

     and trying to make a home.

Our love was too strong.

Our tree too fertile.

We grew through the storms and the drought

     and found sustenance in our hope. 

The withering vine was torn away by the Glorious Gardener

     and replaced with an abundance of buds

     filled with possibilities. 

The tree of life again bore fruit

     and although one did not ripen for harvest,

     another grew with promise for a new reason.

Our branches stretch wide and far 

     to shelter all we love

Our leaves are green and healthy

     fertilized from above.

Our tree is strong and wise

     with many rings of time.

We have weathered a lot and stand tall

     with our branches held high.

Winds will continue to blow 

     and rain will continue to fall.

We will be together throughout it all. 

-Laurie Barone