Twenty five years ago yesterday, two very young looking, but very happy people, joined their lives together, making a public comittment to each other in front of friends and family.

By doing so, at the age of 24, they sealed the love that had been theirs since they first met at the tender age of 17.

The bride cried… sniffling and sobbing her way through her vows - was it really that bad?
The groom squeezed her hand and willed her through it - speaking the words silently but audibly - helping her to splutter her “I do’s”.

The flowers that decorated the little Welsh Chapel had been gathered from the gardens of the local community, friends and family raiding their gardens for any autumnal colour, peaches and rusts and orange. The bride and her mother had such fun transforming the plain white space into a colourful bower. The cake was made by a friend. The car was provided by the Godparent. The photos were taken by the husband of a freind. The dress was designed by the bride and translated into a triumph of ivory silk brocade by the talented hands of her mother who also made the bridesmaid’s dressed. Everyone was involved. Everyone joined in. Everyone played their part in making the day special.

And special it was too.

And so, twenty five years onwards, we find ourselves still together - and it is still special.

It is something we never take for granted.

I have been blessed with the most loving and special husband anyone could ever have. His kindness, wisdom, serenity, sense of humour and knowledge keep me sane. He is always there to pick me up, dust me down and send be out into the world. His love means everything to me.

He is special.

Roger, thank you. I love you more and more and am so blessed to have you as my husband and life partner. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being the wonderful father to our children. And thank you for being my best friend.

I love you.

This poem is by one of Roger’s favourite poets….

i carry your heart with me

e.e.cummins