what is marriage?

Saw this passage from one of the sites James sent me when we were trying to choose the readings for our wedding. There were a lot of traditional and non-traditional passages on that site, and since that day we were solely focused on choosing the readings for the mass, this had not caught my eye until just about now. Hit me right there. Whew. Tears yet again.

What is Marriage?

(Anonymous)

Marriage is more than the exchange of rings

and the sharing of a household;

It is much more than just living together.

It is the desire to truly want to know

and understand another human being;

to feel and share in that person'shappiness,

as well as their pain.

Marriage is to never feel alone;

but rather, to know that you alwayshave a friend;

a partner in life thatyou can laugh and cry with.

To know that you always have that special someone

to share your innermost thoughts and fears,

and know that you will be heard.

Marriage is helping your partner to be

the absolute best that they can be,

while still being able to experience your own need and goals.

Marriage is love;

true love that goes far beyond passion;

It is a love that you can reach for in times of crisis as well as joy,

and know it will be there to comfort and to share.