You are only as young as you are in this present moment- A reflection on 21 years of marriage
“You’re only as young as you are in this present moment.”
Listen to me read this article
*This piece is best read when this song is playing in the background*
21 years ago, Kylie and I decided to play this song as we walked down the aisle at Malloy Courtyard in Fremantle at 2 pm on Saturday, January 3rd 2004.
I started listening to the Goo Goo Dolls when I first heard “Name” in 1996. Their album “The Boy Called Goo” was one of the definitive rock albums that shaped my teens.
And when I met Kylie three years later, we both fell in love with the song “Slide” when we heard it on Party of Five, which was soundtracked over a wedding scene on the show.
This was the song we wanted to use and set the theme for our wedding.
It symbolised who and what we were at that time.
Young, free, beautiful and in love, determined to make a life together and start our story as husband and wife.
At a time when most people were still finding themselves, dating, coming down from New Year’s, hooking up with randoms, travelling the world and generally living free, by God’s grace, Kylie and I were brought together, and we weren’t letting go.
We knew how unique it to be young and soon-to-be-married — we weren’t just going out; this was serious; we loved each other this much at 23 and 25 years old to make it happen.
But why did we choose this song?
Well, it is the bridge that makes this song unforgettable.
“Oh, May
Put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful”
Oh, May
Do you wanna get married?
Or run away?”
It’s a deepening of the protagonist’s desire to be with his love, either running away together or proclaiming their commitment to each other — it was everything that Kylie and I yearned to do (the wedding part, of course).
And so, it was all set.
Nobody knew (except our DJ- Dave.G) that we were going rock and slide our way down the aisle; everyone was going to cheer and dance; it was going to be unforgettable.
That was until the MP3 of the song didn’t play.
Bugger.
When anybody tells you that the most unexpected things go wrong or happen at weddings, it’s true.
Stuck for what to do next, we improvised. Sarah, Kylie’s sister, played a flute solo, a peaceful and uplifting melody to signal the wedding party’s arrival.
The rest is Kylie and Jonathan history.
Whilst we didn’t get to reflect our cool, edgy and fun side, the only thing that mattered to Kylie and me that day was that we were joined together as husband and wife — the sole purpose of the day.
A song carries with it memories and emotions and leads to reflection.
For me, I’m reminded of the joy I felt to be 23, married and still at university — a married med student!
Those were certainly memorable days, and when we look back at photos, there is a temptation to feel old and that those carefree days are gone. But remember, we are only as young as we are right now.
At 44 years, I am nothing but grateful to have spent 21 years with my bride, the woman who agreed to rock and slide down the aisle with me because she, too, loved the Goo Goo Dolls but most importantly loves me.
We are as young, free and fun as we choose to be, and I choose to rock out with my number #1 till death parts us.
So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. - Matthew 19:6
Happy Annual Wedding Celebration day Kylie!
Live intentionally!
Love relentlessly.
And enjoy the best health of your life.
