Sunday, September 21, 2008






EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE

Every once in a awhile you need to go to a wedding, sit beside your husband of nearly 17 years, partner of of nearly 23, and watch two young kids exchange vows, rings, and passionate kisses.

Every once in awhile you need to look over at all the guys your husband went to high school with, sit beside their wives of nearly 20-25 years, and think, "Look at them. There they are. Still together."

Every once in awhile you need to sit between your two squirming kids, wish you'd not brought them, but glad that you did, and think, "Look at us. Still together."

Every once in awhile you need to wait for the bride to start the wedding, and take those extra few minutes and think of all the marital journeys sitting in that sacred space together, and marvel at it all.

Every once in awhile you need to let all the back stories, of all the people you know in the sacred space, pass through your mind. Don't let them linger, just let their struggles, their joys, flash upon the screen of your mind's eye, and just be with it. All of it. The better. The worse. The sickness. The health.

Every once in awhile you need to think of the line from "Fiddler on the Roof," "A bird and a fish can fall in love, but where will they make their home?" And you need to realize you are a bird, and you married a fish, and at times you leave each other gasping for air, and although it's never been easy, it's sacred. And strong. And worth it.

Every once in awhile.

19 comments:

kario said...

Thank you. I am in tears right now. I hope you shared this with STM so he realizes what an amazing woman he is married to.

So proud to call you friend.

Love.

Wanda said...

Wow.

pixiemama said...

Wow - this is really beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

Kathi said...

"A bird and a fish can fall in love, but where will they make their home?" And you need to realize you are a bird, and you married a fish, and at times you leave each other gasping for air, and although it's never been easy, it's sacred. And strong. And worth it." -- Carrie, I'm posting that on my board in front of my face.

Beautiful post!!

Unknown said...

OMG I loved this esp the last paragraph - wow!! I'm going to link to it from my blog. And I LOVE those salamanders!!

Suzy said...

Every once in a while a perfect post comes along...

I'm with Kario...


Love you,

Suzy

Deb Shucka said...

Every once in a while your writing shines beyond brilliance.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Grand post. I think a fish and a bird would make a great couple...they could enjoy both the depths of the ocean and the sky's heights, maybe resting on earth every once in awhile.

Anonymous said...

Yes,yes,yes! So beautiful and so true.
XXXX

Michelle O'Neil said...

Beautiful post.

STM is a cute little fish, isn't he?

contemporary themes said...

Lovely post as are the two of you with your squirming kids between you!

Love.

Nancy said...

"and although it's never been easy, it's sacred." Sums it all up right there. Beautiful, Carrie.

Ms. TK said...

Okay...you have NO idea what this post does for me...maybe you do...but you are a genius, Carrie.

No.

An angel.

At any rate, thank you. Oh, and anyone who quotes musical theatre is aces, in my book.

Seriously. Thank you.

Jenny said...

Aw. Congrats on being together.

As you know, I love the pictures and the quote.

riversgrace said...

Me, too. Wow. That about encompasses every angle.

Joanne said...

Beautiful. That's what life's all about.

Anonymous said...

Every once in awhile your partner of 21 years will surprise you with something deep and profound.

hg said...

I need to print this and put it somewhere I'll read it everyday.

jolibe said...

I sooo needed to read this! Thank you for being in the "right place at the right time"!

Truly an inspired post!!!!