All aboard!

Marriage is a huge undertaking.

Of course, we don't really know that when we're standing at the altar.

If we did, we probably would be cowering in a corner somewhere,

unable to imagine that we could and would give ourselves

to something so unpredictable, complicated, and

just darn hard to do, with grace,

...on a daily basis.

But for those of us who bought the ticket,

stayed the course,

rode the train all the way to the station,

there is a perspective that cannot be taught;

it can only be experienced.

With every bumpy rail, screeching brake,

fast turn, and dark tunnel,

there is the thought

(if we're honest)

that perhaps we just need to get off this train.

In fact, we may even do so from time to time,

at stations where we can step away,

catch our breath,

get a grip.

And yet,

when that whistle invites us to step aboard once again,

amazingly, we do.

We get right back on the train,

each time with a new and greater understanding

of the ride we're actually saying yes to.

We get back on because by now we know the ride is worth it.

There's the incredible scenery out the windows,

the lovely folks we encounter along the way,

and the adventure of travelling with a companion

who also makes that daring move

to get right back on,

time after time, 

with us.

It's my travel-companion I miss today.

It's all the things I knew I'd miss if I ever stayed off the train.

It's why I...we...chose to get right back on for

45 years, 364 days.

And now I know, beyond a doubt,

it was indeed worth it!