Five years ago....

Five years ago today....there was a full moon. And the day began with an early morning bath and a cup of coffee that upset my stomach. And then we laughed the entire rest of that glorious day and night away....

Five years ago today, I had my hair and makeup done -- my hair turning out not so great, but my makeup...I remember looking in the mirror and thinking I had never looked so beautiful. And my dress, well, I still am in love with it. Five years ago, the only time I cried was when I saw my mother come out of the hotel as we picked her up in the limo. I had never seen her look so utterly lovely and radiant.

Five years ago, I looked at Jim down the aisle of a church, he and I alone, as he turned around and saw me for the first time in my dress. And I laughed when I thought of how nervous I had been in the car ride over. I'm still blaming the coffee.

Five years ago, my sweet dad walked me down the aisle surrounded by the best of our friends, companions, family. Five years ago, we read Walt Whitman, and played Verdi and the Marriage of Figaro, and spoke from our hearts when we gave each other our rings. Five years ago, we took time out to thank my girl Mary, for all she had done for us. And Father Keyes made everyone laugh, and cry, and think that if there were more priests like him, more people would be returning to the Church.

Five years ago, we took pictures outside, boarding these gorgeous brick-red chris-craft boats with a glorious blue blue metallic sky above to match my "something blue" shoes. Five years ago, my mother gave a Spanish toast, my father blessed us all in tears, and my dear friend Lark gave a speech to end all speeches about love and life and living and thanks.

Five years ago, we did things just a little differently than everyone else (said lovely planner Susan, who we will miss and remember just as much as Father Keyes on this day), from the music, lights and the setup to the food, fun and flowers. Five years ago, we were each other's Shining Star, with a silly Dancing Bear pinata and Spanish cava and chocolate fondant cake. Five years ago, we danced our feet off, broke the bar (so to speak)(or not, depending on if you ask my father about the bar bill), ate like kings and had a vivid and glorious day, one I remember in fine detail even these years later.

Five years ago, I married the love of my life. My soulmate. My best friend. My lover. My pilot. My husband.

Five years ago, we had a blast. And although every day since then hasn't been as magical and perfect and carefree and fun as our wedding day, I wouldn't change a single day. People are still talking about how fun and amazing our wedding was -- we can't get together with anyone who was there on the lake that night of the full moon without retelling a story, a favorite moment, a salute to a great getaway and an over-the-top occasion. I'm inclined to agree.

Here's to the next five, and all the rest to come. I love you, Jim. With all my heart yes.