scribblechic

It began with our vows.  A lover of language I embraced volumes of potential promises seeking inspiration; I wanted something intimate and empowering to celebrate each of us as individuals while nurturing a future together that would be based in love and respect.  It felt essential that the words that would guide us into this new chapter serve as a reminder that we both remain true to our sense of self while evolving into our new identities as husband and wife.

We agreed a marriage was something created and that within our mutual values and common objectives we would stand together as we faced the world.  We promised to speak words of appreciation and demonstrate gratitude in thoughtful ways while creating space for each individual to grow.  We promised to look for the good in our lives and to be the source of support and strength for one another that we each needed for ourselves.  Beneath each wish for our new life, I do was replaced with I will try.  This was our beginning.

Soon after we exchanged vows, we broadened our relationship to encompass parenthood.  I poured over potential baby names and books on parenting with the same passion I had sought out and created our vows.  We shared our unique, individual expectations for what our family would look and feel like.  My husband and I confessed our fears and mapped our future path around our own childhood experiences.  Still, we learned very quickly that children require both boundaries and open minds.  Promises of I will never and I will always cast aside for I will try in moments of improvised answers to unexpected challenges.

Over 11 years later there is no final draft, our promises are still founded in I will try.  We face disagreements and disappointment with the same commitment we celebrate accomplishments and growth.  It is both more difficult than I had imagined and more rewarding; painful and joyful in a language created and defined by effort.  Our promises continue to guide us through new experiences and have fostered a collection of values allowing us to feel appreciated individually, as a couple, and as a family.