Seven years ago today, I became the luckiest man on earth.

On August 14, 1999, I married Miss Sunny Anne Shates at the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ in front of many friends and family members. I woke up that morning in the bonus room above the garage at my sister’s house. Sunny and I had already moved our things to Kingsport and I’d sold my bedroom set in a yard sale, so that night I slept on sofa cushions on the floor. I woke up and picked up my boy Lane and rushed to get a haircut and pick up some new khakis and a polo shirt. I was told I needed a new “outfit” for when we left the reception, so off we went to the mall. I remember I specifically told the lady cutting my hair not to mess up. “I’m getting married today,” I told her. She proceeded to talk my head off about her own wedding. I bought a green polo shirt and some khakis at the GAP. I can’t fit into those khakis anymore.

I arrived at the church to get changed into my tux. We took plenty of photos before the wedding, but none with me and Sunny together. We’re old fashioned. We didn’t want to see each other before hand. After the pics, I was sequestered in some back classroom at the church building. Somebody brought me McDonalds. I got fidgety, so I left the sequester room. I wanted to visit with the people who were making their way into the church. The wedding coordinator Nazi jumped all over me for not being where I was supposed to be. I remember telling her, “Look, this is my wedding and I’ll stay out here as long as I want.” The wedding coordinator Nazi never spoke to me again.

I finally made my way back to the sequester room. Getting antsy. Starting to get a bit nervous. But I’m playing it cool. To keep my mind distracted, I start talking fantasy baseball with my boy Scott. Ended up making a trade: Randy Johnson for Shawn Green.

As the ceremony begins, Tara and I made our way to the front of the auditorium. We each placed a rose on the front pew in honor of my deceased parents. At the appropriate time, I walked Sunny’s mother down the aisle and seated her. I met Lane and Johnny at the front of the church. The bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way to the front: Corey & Alisha, Richard & Tara. My friends Matt, Scott & Jason were paired up with Sunny’s friends and family members. My nephews, Ethan & Micah, entered as ring bearers. Katie was the flower girl. I remember standing for what seemed like an eternity as I waited for Sunny to enter. No more playing it cool. I’m flat out nervous. I can tell I’m swaying back and forth, but I don’t care. If I stand still, I’ll pass out. When is this song going to end? Where is she? What if she doesn’t show? What if she got cold feet? I can’t even feel my feet. Where am I? Why isn’t she here yet…

Then I saw her.

At the back of the church building, Sunny and her father appeared. She was beaming from ear to ear. She looked so happy. Something about that smile did it for me. I couldn’t help but think how unworthy I was to be the recepient of such unfettered, unconditional love. She was glowing in a way that only a bride can glow. So white, so pure. It’s a unique feeling, standing at the end of an aisle, knowing she’s walking there to meet you, to become your bride. What a precious gift…

I took her hand from her father and we stood before everyone we knew and exchanged our wedding vows. No more nerves. No more swaying. Only me and my bride and all our loved ones. I promised to love her ’till I die. Everyone said it was the most beautiful wedding they’d ever been to. I said the same thing.
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I remember a lot about what happened 7 years ago today. But I honestly can’t remember what my life was like before I met you. Who would I be without you in my life? I shudder at the thought. A lot has changed in 7 years. I’ve had 3 jobs; we’ve lived in 2 different towns; and oh yeah, those twins really changed things, didn’t they? But you’ve been my constant.

I’m far from a finished product; you know that better than anyone. But if I’m a better person today than I was 7 years ago, it’s because of you. I’m more patient, more thoughtful, more faithful, less selfish, less prideful and less critical because of you. I see beauty more readily. I’m quicker to compliment, slower to pass judgment. I’m a work in progress, true, but God refines me through you.

If 7 years were all we had together, I would weep. But I would also rejoice, for these 7 years have been the best years of my life. I could never tell you the joy — the true joy — you bring me. I am honored to be your husband and I will ever praise God for our life together. I love you, Sunny.