Tracey and Logan

Tracey Hansen, my friend and fellow writer (we co-wrote Write for the Fight) is marrying the love of her life, Logan Frazier, on April 6. Six months ago, I was honored and humbled when she asked if I might write something to read during the ceremony.

I accepted without question, although, I will admit, I was worried. To write something worthy of one of the most important days of her life was daunting.

But I did it, because this is what you do when you love someone like I do Tracey. After it was finished, I sent it to a half -dozen trusted friends  and colleagues before I passed it forward to the beautiful bride.

Katherine Sears, my dear friend and CEO of Booktrope, referring to my recent divorce, said this, “How did you write this after what you’ve been through?”

The answer is simple. I believe in love. I celebrate each time one of my friends finds their love. And I know someday it will happen for me. My person will come. Until then, my heart is full knowing that on April 6 Tracey will marry her person. No one will cheer louder than I when the handsome groom kisses his favorite girl.

I just hope I can read my piece without crying. But I doubt it.

Tracey and Logan.

It began with a spark, just a look between us, merely a hint that said, I know you. I want to know you like no one else. Tell me your secrets, your longings, your dreams, your shame. I can bear it. I will bear it.

And later, I knew because my heart thumped and grew larger and I felt it down deep where my soul dwells, this is my love, my person.

Now it is your eyes I search for in every crowded room. You’re my sacred space between the silences, the laughter between every difficult moment. The draping flowers in our garden are brighter, the dappled light at twilight obvious, the scent of the ocean spray wafting in the afternoon breeze suddenly sweeter, the brilliant stars closer.

Now we’re us.

And I’ve got you no matter the madding crowds or the rushing sea or the tides that threaten to overwhelm us. My hand reaches for you in the dark. I choose you.

I promise in the bright light of this spring afternoon for all to see and hear – I’ll take your beating, tender, passionate heart and hold it in my hands, draw it close, shelter it no matter the storms to come, no matter how the years unfold.

Our love is a violet mist that entangles and entwines, that stretches in an invisible thread despite distance and years, always bringing us back to this. Us. Just us.

I give it all to you.

Forever. For as long as I breathe. I choose you.