The day before the day

As I write this I am realising that this is my last night as a unwed man. Thus the opportunity arises to contemplate what marriage means to me as a person.

A lot of people around me today were asking if I was nervous and were teasing me that my life as I knew it was going to end. Aside from the teasing (up will not become down; light will not become dark) I find myself rather pragmatic towards the change in my life.

For starters I need to define marriage for myself. To me a marriage is the bond created by a man and a woman that share an unconditional love and vow to be together regardless of what fate puts on their path. Marriage dictates (to us anyway) monogamy and a responsibility to care for each other.

Regarding marriage as such there is not much difference with my current situation. Megan and I already love each other unconditionally and been through some emotionally rough times together. We both believe in being faithful to each other as being important and we both live accordingly. I have no doubt that we will always be there for one another.

But if all of this is the case what is the value of marrying? Does it have significant meaning for me if without marriage I already have all the promises and commitments that come with marriage. Does it have special meaning to me?

The answer is: yes it does. Regardless of the legal status it is for me a ritualized promise we make to each other. The marriage ritual is a highlight in this all; a moment where I can stand up and say that I pledge my life and love to Megan for all time. It is an exclamation point in my life and something which I want to share with the rest of the world.

It all boils down to the symbolism of the ritual I am about to partake. For me marriage has a very powerful symbolic meaning, which I embrace fully.

I am therefore not afraid tomorrow. Nervous, a little perhaps, but mostly whether everything will go alright. I have no doubts or uncertainties lingering. I am going to do this; I am ready.