The Union by Robert Fulghum

Each and every person here today will witness the words that Marie and Mike will speak to one another and the vows that they will make. You should take good care to remember these words for a marriage needs the help of a community, of friends and family who will be there when needed and will do all they can during hard times to stand by Marie and Mike and offer their support to them and the new family that they will create. May you always do all within your power to support the union that will be made here today and to nurture the bond between these two people whom you love.Throughout time countless millions of people from many cultures, religions and societies have gathered among friends and families to celebrate their love for one and other and their commitment to each other. And today we should try to remember that a wedding is a symbol, a beautiful, heartfelt and meaningful symbol but a symbol nonetheless. The cermony is not magic, it will not create a relationship that does not already exist and has not already been celebrated in all the commitments Marie and Mike have made to each other, both large and small, in the days since they first met and recognized their connection to one another. It is a symbol of how far they have come together and a symbol of the promises that they will make to each other to continue to live their lives together and to love each other solely and above all others.Marie and Mike, the symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all those things we've promised and hoped and dreamed - well, I meant it all, every word". Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another - acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this - is my husband, this- is my wife.

Marie and Mike, the promises which you have spoken to each other today are inscribed forever in your minds, in your hearts. But words are fleeting and so those who marry wear rings as visible, tangible symbols of their commitment and of their emotional and spiritual connection. These rings announce to the world that you have been found. They are a reminder and a celebration of the promises you have made today and in exchanging these bands you knit your two lives together as one.

No one but you can declare yourselves married. You have begun it here today in speaking your vows before your family and friends and you will do it again in the days and years to come, standing by each other, sharing all the sweet and bitter of life. Each tender act, each loving word will be the declaration of what was made here today.

We have all gathered here and witnessed the celebration of love that Marie and Mike have shown and the commitment that they have made to each other. This marriage is not an end of their existing relationship and neither is it a beginning, but rather it is an important step along a path which continues into the future, and it is a step which Marie and Mike are taking with a clear understanding of the commitment and resolution that the path requires and with confidence, trust and love. May your intention and your commitment to each other remain strong and may the foundation of your relationship be love and the best interest of each other.

Walk gently through the world together and know its wonders for all the days of your lives. Go forward in your life together with the good wishes of those who love you. Remember this day, those who came to wish you well, the words you have spoken, the emotions you feel and the love you have declared. And above all, be happy.

to be continued...