There’s a magical book out there called Bear of My Heart, by Joanne Ryder. I’ve read it to Big Brother since he was a very little boy and we like to think of it as our own special story. I read it to him with tears welling up in my eyes and take deep breaths to absorb the sobs that creep from the back of my throat. It’s beautiful and I hereby recommend it to any of you out there with small cubs in the house.
However, reading it today – on my Husband’s birthday – I’m struck by how easily it translates to a story about marriage. True love. Partnership.
“Paw in paw, we will greet every morning,
Paw in paw, we will meet every day
For you are the bear of my heart, dear
And nothing can take that away.”
Paw in paw. Hand in hand. I’m so grateful for all that he’s given to me (to us) in the giving of his hand.
In marriage
A first dance
In Romance
In Unabashed Fatherly Love
With a Generous Heart
With a Steadying Touch
Offering Little Life Lessons
And reassurance that the next step, however unfamiliar, is safe. Because he’s there. He’s with us.
“There are so many bears in the world dear,
but there’s no other one that will do.
You are the bear of my heart, dear,
and I am the one who loves you.”
Happy Birthday, to my Husband. Thank you for (more than seven years ago) asking for my hand. And for, since then, holding us all so tightly in yours.
Confessions of a Serial Swooper 