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Chapter I: “Earth-Walk (1810-1844)”

William and I married in early spring. The ceremony was simple, but I can still remember our
promise:

My William, as I stand beside you today, I will stand beside you through my years. I will love and care
for you. I will hold you close through rain and shine. Your love came to me like a bright star on a
stormy night. I will give you all I can to warm and brighten your days. Your irresistible charm blew
away my misty clouds of loneliness. My love will not age or fade. I believe in you. Your soft whispers
in the dark give me strength and hope. You made my dreams come alive. I love you and thank you for
loving me. Today I take you to be husband. I have already given you my heart.

Granddaughter, I can still remember what he promised me, as if he were standing next to me
right now:

Mary, you came into my heart with softness. You are as tender as the fluff of a dandelion at the end of
summer. You slipped softly into my heart as a cloud floats across the blue sky. The light of your love
shines on my path like the sun and makes my spirit soar like an eagle. My life is forever changed
because of you. My heart is filled with much happiness. All of my body is alive in your presence. My
promise to you is to keep my heart open to join you, spirit to spirit, to stand by you, and love you all my
days. I take you to be my wife. I have already given you my heart.