To all the men I’ve loved before….

One night as I studied my husband’s hand holding mine, I was struck with the beautiful disparity between the two. His, much larger and stronger, work-roughened and tan. Mine, fair and tiny in his grasp. Those hands of his have held me and loved me for many, many years. He was my high school sweetheart and he’s loved me since I was 14 years old. Kinda hard to believe, I know.

And, I wanted to stop as we approach Valentines Day and give my honey a little public love. He’s certainly deserving. He’s walked with me through some difficult times and proven to be a man of strength, character, and faith. And he loves and supports me in my dreams. What more can a girl ask for?

But, I would be remiss if I didn’t also take a moment to say thank you to the man who loved me first. Because in him I had the model of what a man is who loves his wife and a firm foundation of love and self-worth to draw upon for my whole life. A girl picking a husband is pretty much lost without that, I believe.

I love you, Daddy.

A little forgotten or unknown fact from my wedding back in April of 1994: I had requested a certain song for our Father-Daughter dance. For some reason, the DJ didn’t play it, so we danced to something else. It’s always been a little bit of a disappointment for me.

So, at long last, here’s our song that was supposed to be played that day. Daddy, may I have this dance…?