When my husband learned his good looks weren’t the only reason I wanted to renew my vows, he was more than willing to reaffirm his love for me publicly.
Me, giving a “dreamy look” as instructed. The only thing I REALLY wanted to do was open the champagne!
The vow renewal ceremony was October 2nd, 2004, two days prior to our tenth wedding anniversary. Renaissance Man just passed the bar exam and I was busy finishing last minute details for our intimate celebration. We decided to say “I do” again for reasons similar to other couples. It would be fun and meaningful. That, and because the first time around we didn’t have money for a wedding. We eloped.
Like most little girls, I dreamed of having a real wedding. I wanted to exchange hand written vows in front of family and friends. I also wanted to wear a real wedding gown. After years of aggressive saving, I finally got my chance.
Walking down the aisle was just how I imagined. Magical.
I attended countless weddings leading up to my own. Each one was bitter sweet. While I was always happy to witness the officiating of these sacred unions, a part of me was also sad. I couldn’t help but romanticize what it was like to be a bride. I often sat in the pews holding back my tears. Putting on my wedding dress, that day back in October, was a humbling experience. Let’s just say, I was overcome with so much emotion I had to redo my mascara. Guess I should’ve worn water-proof.
Couples decide to renew their marriage vows for countless reasons. Perhaps it’s because they’ve reached a milestone anniversary. Or, maybe they fell upon rocky times and are hoping for a fresh start. These are all common reasons to celebrate an enduring commitment.
Me, AFTER opening the champagne! *
But not so common is renewing your vows to donate your LIVER. That’s exactly what one Chinese woman did for her ex-husband. Apparently, Su Dan had only been divorced two months before discovering her ex-husband was diagnosed with liver cancer. Tian Xinbing did not have to wait long for a donor. His ex-wife offered to give him part of her liver. However, in China, organ transplants are only approved for couples that are married.
Su and Tian didn’t waste time. They decided to renew their wedding vows. Then, they both underwent a successful 10-hour liver transplant surgery. Talk about a second chance at life. This couple renewed their vows for an unimaginable reason. Cancer. Despite their past differences they came together in an effort to save a life.
Sacrificial love.
Would you donate your liver to a person you recently divorced?
* For the record, I wanted to include photos of Renaissance Man. You know, the man I married. But he prefers to remain an enigma at this time.
Wow. Powerful post! Ya got me crying again. Worth it though….
Posted by coastalmom | November 7, 2012, 6:23 amWhen I read the article, I couldn’t believe it myself! It tugged on my heartstrings too. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone renewing their vows to donate part of a vital organ. Such an illustration of sacrificial love. Thank you sooooo much for stopping by, Diane! I always feel your warmth and encouragement when you’re here.
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 6:31 amyou look very beautiful and happy! I don’t know if I would do that for an ex husband to tell you the truth, it really depends on what made me end the marriage in the first place…maybe it was their reality check, a second chance at love! who know? great love story though..
Posted by wonderlandbytatu | November 7, 2012, 8:06 amAw, thank you! My vow renewal ceremony was a dream come true. As for donating a part of my liver to an ex-husband, I’m not sure that I’d be up for the task either. But like you said, it really depends on the circumstance. If he was the father of my children, I would probably seriously consider doing it.
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 8:15 amWhat a thing to do for someone. Obviously they divorced for a reason but re-newed their vows for another. Amazing.
I’ve given your blog a little award – check it out here:http://pipersrun.com/2012/11/07/shout-out-to-some-fitness-bloggers/
Cheers, Anna from Piper’s Run.
Posted by Piper's Run | November 7, 2012, 8:18 amWow! Thanks, Anna! I’m honored. I will check it out.
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 8:29 amOh This is so beautiful. I too, was overwhelmed with emotion when I tried to put on my wedding dress again after 10 years, it wouldn’t go pass my hips. lol.
Loved this beautiful friend. Have an awesome day. XOXO
Posted by Cynthia Matos-Medina | November 7, 2012, 8:26 amSometimes weddings can make grown women act like little girls. We are overcome with so much emotion. Since I eloped, I never got the chance to wear a wedding gown back in October 1994. It was only after 10 years of marriage, in 2004, that my husband and I had the ceremony we always dreamed of. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My heart is always full when I hear from you dear friend!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 8:32 amWow, you are beautiful and so was this post! Thanks so much for sharing. Makes me want to go home and try on my wedding dress!
Posted by whittygirl | November 7, 2012, 8:55 amAw, thanks whittygirl! You’d be surprised what good lighting and make-up can do! Maybe you should try on your wedding dress or look at the package it’s boxed in. Mine is tightly sealed in storage. I am waiting to present it to my daughter one day!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 8:59 amAs usual, you are in fine writing form. Hope the tears are dry now but I often think that a good cry is as sweet and satisfying as a good laugh.
Posted by doverock | November 7, 2012, 9:47 amYes, the tears have dried. Fortunately, one of my deepest desires came true! I got to exchange vows with my husband in front of closest family and friends. And you’re right, “a good cry is sweet and satisfying as a good laugh!” Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 7:51 pmBeautiful post! You look truly happy and gorgeous. Congrats & blessings!
Posted by tiny lessons blog | November 7, 2012, 9:54 amThank you friend! It was a blessed and beautiful day for us indeed.
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 7:35 pmFirst things first, you looked STUNNING in your wedding dress!!!!!!!! I honestly don’t know if I would be as kind as that woman. I would like to think I would but I think it depends on the circumstance of the divorce. Hopefully we will never need to find out!
Posted by fatliesandfairytales | November 7, 2012, 10:01 amIt’s hard to say what I’d do in that situation too. From what I understood about the article, Su did it because she still felt a kinship toward her ex-husband. She already invested so much of her life with him. Who knows the reasons behind her organ donation? But to echo what you said, I don’t ever want to find out! Hope you had a restful evening! Talk soon.
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 9:19 pmBeautiful post, and btw you look beautiful and lovely in your dress!
Posted by now at home mom | November 7, 2012, 11:11 amThank you. I had never considered other reasons to renew marriage vows except for the most common ones. That is, until I read the article about Su Dan’s sacrifice. Definitely gives new meaning to commitment. It’s always good to hear from you!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 7:41 pmHey, congrats! And great dress!
Posted by ParentingIsFunny | November 7, 2012, 11:39 amThank you! It was definitely worth waiting 10 years for. Guess that’s what delayed gratification is all about, right?
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 7:33 pmWhat a beautiful post – both your story and the story about the Chinese couple touched my heart!
Posted by LookingfortheSweetSpot | November 7, 2012, 12:18 pmI guess there really are second chances in life. Some are planned and some are unforeseen, like in the case of this particular Chinese couple. The decision to renew their vows to get a transplant authorized was truly unbelievable. Such an incredible display of sacrificial love. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 8:27 pmYou look soooo beautiful and HAPPY! Thanks for sharing! And, what a story about that Chinese couple!! I admire that woman! Wow!
Posted by Te'ena | November 7, 2012, 12:51 pmThank you, Te’ena! Our vow renewal ceremony was one of the happiest days of my life! As for Su and her decision, she truly is one admirable woman. Donating an organ is the height of selflessness. A remarkable story of sacrifice and unconditional love!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 9:24 pmYou are gorgeous!
I would like to ‘think’ I would donate to my ex. As a father to my children I would like to believe that of myself.
Posted by Chatter Master | November 7, 2012, 1:30 pmI’m with you. If there are children involved it would be hard NOT to seriously consider helping out their father. It seems so unimaginable. Almost like a scene from a gripping movie. Whatever the case, this woman is a hero!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 7, 2012, 7:31 pmYes she is. And a lesson.
Posted by Chatter Master | November 8, 2012, 2:17 amYou look beautiful!! I’m so happy you got to have this experience!! Traditionally people have the party to celebrate the beginning of a marriage and that is great but I think having the lavish celebration 10 years into marriage is so great…really something to have a party for. My husband and I never had a honeymoon so in two years on our tenth anniversary we are finally going to take that honeymoon!!
Posted by motherhoodisanart | November 8, 2012, 3:35 amWhen we first got married, we had no money. We didn’t want to put our parents out financially so we eloped. Then ten years into it we finally saved enough to give ourselves a REAL wedding. But like you, we never went on a honeymoon. We spent everything on the reception. Happy to hear that you’re going to take a honeymoon on your 10th wedding anniversary! Maybe my husband and I can shoot for our 20th?
Posted by keepingitreal | November 8, 2012, 8:34 amWOWZERS!
1. You were a BEAUTIFUL bride!!!
2. Trust me when I tell you, NO ONE wants my liver…
Posted by mylifeisthebestlife | November 8, 2012, 10:33 amThanks pal! You’re super dee duper sweet! As for your liver, I trust you. Say no more, say no more. Take care of yourself these next couple of days. I am waiting with eager expectation to hear about the grand delivery of baby Marley!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 8, 2012, 1:40 pmVery powerful, saying a lot about her humanity. And you look beautiful in those photos, very happy. Husband and I didn’t have a wedding either, we just went to Vegas. A helluva weekend though, very fun, so I never regretted it.
Posted by mrs fringe | November 8, 2012, 2:52 pmIt does say a lot about her humanity. She sacrificed so much. Definitely one unique woman. As for Vegas, I would’ve probably signed up for it too! Exclusive fun for just the two of you. Hassle free. The only thing you have to worry about is what drink to order and which slot machine to put your money into!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 9, 2012, 6:35 amCongratulations!!!! You look gorge!
Posted by bequoted | November 8, 2012, 5:08 pmThank you! It was a magical day and completely worth the wait. Good to hear from you!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 8, 2012, 6:44 pmJust beautiful! I’m so glad you got your fairy tale wedding! Love the dress too!
Posted by littlemisswordy | November 8, 2012, 6:09 pmThank you! Our desire for a renewal ceremony was 10 years in the making. There were days I thought our dream wouldn’t be realized. But I tucked this secret hope in my heart, and thank God, it came to pass. Now, if we could only go on a honeymoon!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 8, 2012, 6:42 pmBeautiful <3
Posted by shawnrjones12 | November 24, 2012, 10:25 amThank you, Shawn. I’m so glad you stopped by. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Posted by keepingitreal | November 24, 2012, 9:48 pmYou are stunning!! What a beautiful way to celebrate your anniversary!
Loved the story of the Chinese couple, too. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by Denise Hisey | December 29, 2012, 1:11 pmThank you, Denise. My ten year wedding renewal was very meaningful. I’m glad you stopped by and took the time to share in this experience!
Posted by Keeping it Real | January 2, 2013, 9:34 pmI love that you renewed your vows, and got to wear the dress you’d always wanted! Fabulous. And of course, I had to read about this because we recently did just the same thing. I think it’s even more meaningful to celebrate sticking together over the years. Here’s the post about our wedding renewal for our 10th… http://kathyschronicles.com/2012/08/08/getting-hitched-again/
Posted by Kathy's Chronicles | January 2, 2013, 7:01 pmThanks for the link, Kathy. I will definitely check out your wedding renewal post. It really is magical to renew your vows with your sweetheart after being married for many years! Glad you stopped by today!
Posted by Keeping it Real | January 2, 2013, 9:32 pm