12 days to go.
With under two weeks to go until Wrestlema...er...9.24, the pressure is now on to finalize everything. With the frame work set for the big day, much of the minor tasks remain to be completed. Some of the tasks include reception table centerpieces, flowers, minor decorations, reception format, reception seating, and overall logistics throughout the day for the wedding party.
However, now off the to-do list is the purchase of the wedding bands. An important purchase, of course.
This past weekend the tag-team partner and I cruised on out to Long Island to the Roosevelt Mall to visit a Zales store. The visit, centered around seeking out our bands, brought back memories of looking for the perfect engagement ring. The visit seemed full circle for yours truly on this unity road.
After learning a bit about bands as opposed to diamongs and engagement rings I've become so familiar with over the past three years, slipping a ring on my finger felt awfully weird.
I'll admit, it was downright surreal.
Other than a simple chain necklace I've worn since I was a young D-Robo, jewelry was never a part of my appearance. However, now, not only would it be part of my appearance, but it would signify something much greater than aesthetics.
I've often joked in the past that instead of a wedding band, maybe I could wear a crown, or a championship belt, or a simple patch of some sort.
I know, I know.
But like I stated, it was a lighthearted joke.
One of course my tag-team partner didn't think was rather funny.
Nonetheless, as I tried on the ring, and stared at it sitting there on my left ring finger, it dawned on me at that moment that it didn't matter how it looked, or what the item of symbolism is.
For in twelve days - a blink of an eye - that ring means more than just an appearance. More than just a shine. More than just a representation of a bond.
Well, duh, didn't you know that?
Of course, I did.
However, there is something about that moment where you realize the overall responsibility of that object, ring or not, and all that comes with it.
And it's at that moment as you stare that you realize: I'm not in this for the shiny jewelry. I'm not in this for the symbolism. I'm not in this because it is "what comes next in our relationship".
And it once again solidifies what I've stated since the beginning of this series - I'm not in this even for 9.24, and the grandiose of a big day.
I'm in this for a lengthy and healthy marriage.
And with that belief, the wedding band I'll slip on for real in twelve days, well, it is simply about honoring the greatest responsibility I will probably ever - ever - have.