"I stand before you prepared to make a vow to you that is greater than any promise that I can make. I vow to never make you feel alone. So on days when I am too far away for a hug and can only comfort you with my voice, I present you with this."
Allen nodded towards the rear of the church and a young lady
dressed in all white carrying a wicker basket walked the aisle to present
Gwen with the first of three gifts. Allen relieved the basket from the
young lady and removed a puppy from it. He placed the puppy on top of
a pillow that sat on a table and opened the next envelope.
"I stand before you prepared to make a vow to you that is greater
than any promise that I can make. I vow to never give you a reason to
doubt me. So on days that I fail to comfort your fears I present you with
this."
Allen turned to his father and relieved him of a black box and
presented it to Gwen. Gwen opened the box to reveal two matching
lockets, one with Gwens name above it the other with Allens. Each held
a small photo of the two of them from their balloon ride. On the back of
Allens locket the words "You are my life" was inscribed and on the back
of Gwens, "And you are mine" was inscribed. Gwens eyes began to
water as she thought of the love that Allen had for her. Allen removed
the box from Gwens hand and placed it on the table next to the puppy
then opened the last envelope.
"I stand before you prepared to make a vow to you that is greater
than any promise that I can make. I vow to never be anything less than
that of the man you fell in love with and daily I will strive to love you
more than the day before. So on days that I lose sight of your daily
needs I present you with this."
Allen reached into his inside pocket and removed a cassette tape
that he handed to Gwen.
"If ever I treat you with less respect than you deserve or if ever I give
you less than what you need, please play this tape."
Gwen smiled as she placed the tape on top of the table next to the
black box. Allen looked at his father who stood behind him showing his
approval with a thumbs up and tears in his eyes. Allen looked at his
mother who sat on the front pew and winked at her as she wiped her
eyes. He watched Mr. Davis wipe away the tears that fell from his wifes
face and then took notice of the fellas, who all had smiles on their faces.
He took notice of the bridesmaids who were all shedding tears then
turned to see the many friends and co-workers of his and Gwens and
realized the amount of love that was in the church for the two of them.
"As a man cannot be rewarded for his friends good deeds, so he cannot be judged by his
friends characteristics!"
Poet