Page 8

“No Take Backs”

Gary Milford, father of the bride

This probably should be page 1, and most likely, one day when we actually publish the book, it will be page one of Marriage One Liners.

It was The Agreement between gentlemen.

My dear man approached my father as we visited my parents’ home in southern Florida with the most important question. Finally, this was the long awaited weekend, and I was nervous because my two favorite men were going to have the conversation. You know, the one in which my boyfriend would ask my dad for my hand in marriage.

I was excited for him to ask. I was excited for my dad to say yes. I was excited to have a fiancé and get the ring, plan the wedding and live happily ever after.

And I was nervous. My dad is no pushover. He had proven to be quite effective at causing young men to quake in their boots just by hearing his voice on my phone answering machine. I am his only daughter and he would have something purposeful to say to my intended.

And this was his message. My dear man asked for my hand in marriage in 1987. My dad said yes. And my dad said, “No take backs!”

This was the best message to give an enthusiastic 20 something young man in love and wanting to get married. My beau was thinking sex and fun and sex and having his girl to himself forever. And my dad gave him a reality check. All that is good, and fun; however, this taking my little girl’s hand in marriage is forever. The good, the bad and the ugly.

I’m pretty sure that after my dad walked me down the aisle and placed my hand in my dear man’s hand, he whispered into his ear reminding him of their gentlemen’s agreement. Then he kissed my cheek with a big grin, teary eyes, and sat down next to my Mom. He had made his point.

There are times when we’re having a relationship building moment (or week) that I look at my dear man and say…

“No take backs!”

Hugs from the fun couple until next time,

Randy and Lisa