with a wedding looming in july, vows have been on my mind lately.
people take vows of silence, doctors take something akin to a vow - the hippocratic oath; we "vow" to do all sorts of things that align with our beliefs.
although it is not a traditional vow, the phrase "through thick and thin" comes to mind.
thinking about it literally, it could refer to tolerating someone's variable state of mind. i've been called "thick-headed" for my stubbornness, and "thin-headed" could mean being dim (guilty!) i could accept being loved despite my stubborn, stupid ways...
when referring to how i looked in my younger, adolescent days, i've often used the word "thick". it would be nice to know i will be loved no matter what my size - thick or thin...
"thick and thin" also brings weatherly thoughts to mind, and love that could outlast any kind, be it humid and stormy, or dry and sunshiney.
literally, the phrase "through thick and thin" dates back to 1662 and is even found in Chaucer's The Reeve's Tale:
"he begins to go
Toward the fen, where wild mares run
And forth with "wehee," through thick and through thin"
translated, according to the definition from the phrase finder, it means "through all forms of obstacle that are put in one's way".
taken that way, to love someone "through thick and thin" is not an easy undertaking. it requires trust, faith, and unconditional love - something hard to come by in this day and age. it ensures that there will be trouble, but that not far behind, good days are certain to come.
thinking about how high the divorce rate has risen (upwards of 50% depending on the number of marriages had), it makes me wonder whether people are willing to accept the thick with the thin anymore.
to my sweetie, who i will hereby refer to as my music man (or MM), i promise to stick by you, and love you, through thick and through thin. at times, it will seem impossible, and at others, effortless, but nonetheless, that is a solemn vow...
image courtesy of www.lovescape.org
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