I’ll never forget Teri and Don, a couple married for fifty years and still able to surprise each other.

When I was asked to officiate at their vow-renewal ceremony, they told me they had some personal vows they’d written for each other. I gotta tell ya, I love when couples do that; it’s always fun to watch a couple share what’s really inside their hearts with each other.

When the time came at their ceremony for their vows, Teri brought out a set of little cards, with little-tiny printing on them, and got through them, with just a little tearing up. The moment was unforgettable…

When Don’s turn came around, he fumbled around in his pockets for a moment; I panicked, thinking he’d forgotten to bring his cards with him.  Aaggh!

But, it turned out he was just faking; after a few moments of faux pocket-searching, he simply took Teri’s hands in his, looked her straight in the eye, and recited his vows perfectly, word-for-word. Everyone watching (including me) was left breathless.

Afterwards, Don told me, “I wrote those vows months ago, and memorized them.  I wasn’t about to depend on little cards…”

… And I got to watch it up-close.  (I am not kidding when I say I have the best job in the world.)