Another Year as Mrs. Griffith

I rarely take off my wedding ring. Many of you would probably clutch your pearls if you could see how over the years my ring has taken abuse. From bread making, painting, and cleaning stalls, to weeding the garden and bathing my children...it stays on. I marveled when in February, Marc was in the hospital for his biopsy, I removed my wedding ring to slip his on beneath it (he couldn't wear his for his procedure and I didn't feel right about just putting it in my purse or pocket). I couldn't believe how much that ring has become a part of me. The ring, after all these years, has left a permanent, indelible mark on my finger. The skin beneath the ring is smooth, thin, and pale. In contrast, the rest of my finger --like my hands in general -- are calloused and thick from years of being unkind to them. It has made an unbelievable indentation in my finger.

I have worn this simple ring for twelve years now. For our culture, twelve years seems like a miracle, but for me it seems to have flown by. I remember how shiny and glittering the little band was on our wedding day. It seemed heavy, though, and the weight of the gold did not feel natural. A lot like our first year or so of marriage -- getting used to sharing space, personal items, a new name, and each other's habits. Eventually, though, wearing the ring and sharing my life became natural. Yes, this ring has seen much in twelve short years. I've worn it through pregnancies, house construction, a house fire, adventures with livestock, holidays and work days. Now it accompanies me in days of illness and uncertainty. It's not shiny and new any longer, the band is nicked and scratched, and the stones aren't clean from working outside, so they certainly don't glitter. But, I like it better this way. I can look at it and know all it has been through and all our marriage has survived. We have been through a lot together.

Today I want to thank my sweet husband for another year of marriage. My friend asked me the other day if knowing what grief I know now would I have still chosen to marry Marc. I wouldn't have changed a thing. I would not have traded all the time I have been able to enjoy with him. He is an upstanding man, a brilliant thinker, a loving daddy, a hard worker, and most of all a loving husband. I couldn't have made a better choice. He is my best friend and I am grateful and humbled that I have been able to mature alongside this wonderful man. He has put up with a lot being married to me. Thankfully, he is a good leader and is very patient.

I am hopeful that we will have many more anniversaries and more adventures together. If my prayers are answered, I anticipate my ring will get more battered and worn. I also anticipate that my finger will always carry the remarkable indentation from my band. But, that's just fine with me. They will just be permanent reminders of more wonderful adventures and treasured years together. I can't think of anything more that I could hope for!