Michael E. Reilly and Michelle Lea Gravenish
November 17th, 1998
My Vows to Michelle
Like most I feared growing old -
To have my strength vanish - bones brittle, skin wither
I feared that as my life waned my fire would diminish and the wolves would close in.
Along with those fear there were so many fears and weakness that crowded my nights.
loneliness, wrath, spite, envy, vanity, lust, self loathing, doubting
All these things haunted my pillow and stared back at me from the mirror.
Somewhere I found a want to changes - but did not know how.
Then there was you
Simple, yet wise, sweet yet shrewd
Beautiful in body and sprirt
Stirred in my not just an idle want to be a better man - but the will to be so - a man
worthy
Through the years I come to rely on your strength, love, wit and passion.
You have been my constant consoler, confessor, advisor, friend and protector.
When we walk dark streets you hold my hand a little tighter.
Trusting in me to save you from the empty shadows.
Allowing me to play the role of protector, valiant hero.
But in the light of day it is I who clings to you
Knowing you will save me against the real life dragons who would tear me down
your love a refuge, your acceptance a shield, your faith my sword
you are my protector, my valiant hero
you know my weaknesses, but never exploited them
my fears but never played on them
my dreams but never belittled them
As we start this new phase of our journey I know longer fear where it may lead -
for with you I'm strong, I' am complete -
and in years from now, as twilight approaches, bones brittle, skin withers -
I will look at you through thick eyes and see my life has been triumph.
In you I have entrusted my heart - vested my life, loyalty and love
And this day vow
I Mike take you Michelle for my lawfully wedded wife;
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, for all of our
days.
My Wife Michelle