December 15, 1973

37 years ago we arrived late
so not like us
ever prompt
the alarm over slept
bad hair day
then
we raced through the valley

37 years ago in Los Angeles
Temple doors swung open
then Cristie Clark
to receive a new name
a new life
in every way
willing
eager to leap

37 years then
my family stayed behind
refusing to attend
alone
the only face i knew
was yours
and that was enough

a borrowed dress
a mute groom
you looked sick

me, carsick in the backseat
sitting by your grandma

so not like my dreams
those girlhood plans
except for essential
Temple
my prince

37 years later
i'd do it all again
in a heart beat
to be with you
sharing life
creating life
"and it was good"
"and your people shall be my people"

for 37 years
fondest dreams come true
this life of ours
a bumpy start
an amazing ride
vistas of wonder
then
now and forever


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