Saturday, June 14, 2014

Greg Harvath went first.

First, I want to thank you for inviting me to this event...

Twenty years ago we first met. You followed me, I followed you around, it really doesn't matter at this point. What really matters is how young I was.

All this time and look at what we have accomplished, Washington DC, the Eastern Shore, Delaware, and now Michigan. All these places have memories of times we have spent together. Good times with some growing pains. After all, most relationships do not grow without growing pains.

We learned how to adjust to our personalities. At times it was more work than we had time for but somehow we have managed.

Four dogs, a budding teenager, and a strong group of friends have helped us get over the bumps. Shelby was our first, then a phone call from you about Pebbles and you asking, "can we keep her?" Then came Aber, carried in late one evening. Now Cossette.

Lots of excitement, including Mason, all wanting attention. But here we are in front of Mason, family, and friends. Twenty years and counting. I am looking forward to the next twenty years. Thanks for everything you do.

I love you.

And I followed...

[I'm the emotional one..]

You and I. Two Midwestern boys named Greg, finding ourselves in Washington, DC and meeting one another. We began a journey together, not knowing where it would lead us. Destiny? Perhaps.

As a young man, I read these words to you aside our first Christmas tree after you opened one special gift. Today, a much older and wiser man. I read these words to you openly, in front of family, friends, loved ones:

This is a symbol of my love and my commitment to you

So that you may always be reminded and can say I do

Place this ring on your finger and wear it in trust

And don’t take it off, but I understand if you must

You are all that I need; I could not ask for more

I want everyone to know you’re the one I adore

We have grown so much stronger and closer this past year

I am yours and you are mine, a commitment so clear

[I have a lot more to go..]

I can remember that day still fresh in my mind

I left and went ahead and you followed behind

After our dinner you asked me to your place to stay

I accepted and followed you one year ago this day

From that day on we began a journey side by side

Some cannot believe because in theirs they may hide

Although not recognized, we still share the same commitment

Some say our love is immoral, but I show no resentment

For if they saw us together, they would see just how real

Our love is truly powerful and we do not conceal

He brought us together and He recognized our love

And they will see the truth the day we enter above

I take a vow to stand by you in sickness and in health

To support you if destitute and to share in any wealth

Through the years we will share seasons of good and bad weather

We’ll overcome; we’ll conquer and come through stronger together

So as a symbol of our commitment wear this band of gold

[We've upgraded.]

And take me as your life partner to have and to hold

My love will never falter and I’ve loved from the start

And I will be yours and you will be mine until death do we part.

Through our journey together, you’ve shown me true love, true friendship, forgiveness, you demonstrate commitment and strength. You are my rock. You and Mason together are my world.

I love you.