When my friend Chris brought his brand-spanking-new fiancé home to visit for a bit this last week, I was able to take some engagement photos for them. And what an afternoon it was. It was hot - but I didn’t feel it. It was buggy and creepy and crawly - but I didn’t notice. I was enthralled with the love of these two. Simply being them. I could have watched all the day long. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that I had a job to do - though it certainly never felt like work. And they made it easy. Oh, so easy. They kept telling me ‘thank you’, and continue to do so - and I, myself, continue to think ‘why in the name of all that’s good on this earth, are you thanking me’.
To them, I am forever indebted. For allowing me to spend this time with them. For allowing me to enter in - and to play a part. For allowing me to document this special time in their lives. With every beat of my heart, I say to them: It was, and is, a pleasure. An honor that I cannot, and will never, forget.
I’ve thought long and hard about what I wanted to say today. But the truth of the matter is that I am so incandescently happy that words utterly fail me. And that’s not a good look for me. Well ... maybe it is. There is no way that I could ever possibly say all that my heart wishes to express today.
I knew the moment I met him that summer Sunday before we started the 9th grade, that he would be my best and most irreplaceable friend for those remaining school years - and one of the most important. And that he was.
He could make me laugh. He provided a safe harbor that I needed at the time. He picked me up when I would fall ... metaphorically and literally, I’m humored to say. He was my friend when the chips were down. He knew my voice and he knew my heart. He could read my eyes. He pressured me to read that first Harry Potter book - and he became the Sirius to my Lupin. He made me strive to be better. He helped make me who I am today. He was everything that a friend should be. I hope that I returned the favor. And even though life has taken us on different roads and different paths, I am honored to still be able to call him my friend. Forever indebted.
Heather. Dear, gorgeous girl. One of the kindest, sweetest, loveliest women that I have the pleasure of knowing. Beautiful - inside and out. One who knows the meaning of fun. Grounded. Strong. Who I wish I was more like. Even though I don’t yet know her well - these things I know ring true. Even though I have just met her - she has already notched out a place for herself on that treasured list of people that I love. My friend deserves her - and vice versa. I feel the love that they have for each other. I see the peace on his face, and I can read it in his eyes. And I am thankful for that, and for its cause. Forever indebted.
Chris and Heather will be married next month in California, and oh how I wish that I could be there in person. As they embark on this road that will lead them to Eternity, I can’t help but cheer them on. I can’t help but be overjoyed for them. And grateful - simply because of the graciousness they bestow in being my friends.
I look to the future with excited eyes. With all these new and perfect additions - with everything just the way it was always meant to be.
I’ll say it again. Forever indebted.
Enjoy.
