COOKin' Down South: Happy Anniversary, My Love

Twenty-two years ago today, Matt and I vowed to love each other until death do us part. And we did.

I woke up this morning thinking of the unusually cool August morning we had. My dress was sleeveless, save some lace that went across the shoulders. It was made of lightweight material, because it was designed for the heat of summer. On August 21, 1999, we woke up to 46°. And by the time the wedding reception was done mid afternoon, the temp was 64°. Brrr.

We had a small wedding. We didn't like big drawn out ceremonies, if you blinked, you may have missed it. We wanted to get up there, vow our love and devotion to each other, then get to celebrating. And fifteen minutes after walking up to the altar, (and a ton of pictures taken) that's exactly what we did.

At the reception, there was dancing, lots of delicious food, and friends and family who loved us well. We had a dry wedding, because, let's face it, who needs alcohol when you have Matt Cook? He was the life of the party. Our guests wrote us notes of advice on index cards, which we... I still have. We used to read them on every anniversary. I remember the youth praise band that Matt used to be a part. They generously played throughout our reception. I remember leaving the reception hall and having bubbles blown all around us. I'm surprised they didn't freeze. Ok, I'm being a little hyperbolic. 😂 I do remember being cold though. And I do remember Matt's tuxedo jacket being draped over my shoulders as we headed to the car.

Our honeymoon was... well, unusual. Not that we planned it that way. (A story told at another time) But, it set up the precedent for the rest of our married lives. Things don't always go as you plan. And that seemed to be the theme. But, we always rolled with the punches and made the best out of every situation. Even the pandemic that left us unemployed for over a year.

We loved each other with everything we had. Matt never said an unkind word about me to anyone. He worked very hard for our family. He loved us with all his heart, even to the end. I love him so very much. Even more than that cold August day twenty-two years ago. I made wall hangings last year for over our bed. It remains there today. I have found the one whom my soul loves. (Song of Solomon 3:4) Those words are so very true. I did find the one whom my soul loved. And I'm still very much in love with him today, even though he's not here to express it in return.