Still The One by Orleans
Words and music by John Joseph Hall and Johanna D. Hall

We've been together since way back when
Sometimes I never want to see you again
But I want you to know, after all these years
You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear
You're still the one -- I want to talk to in bed
Still the one -- that turns my head
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

I looked at your face every day
But I never saw it 'til I went away
When winter came, I just wanted to go (wanted to go)
Deep in the desert, I longed for the snow

You're still the one -- that makes me laugh
Still the one -- that's my better half
We're still having fun, and you're still the one
You're still the one -- that makes me strong
Still the one -- I want to take along
We're still having fun, and you're still the one (yes you are)

Changing, our love is going gold
Even though we grow old, it grows new

You're still the one -- that I love to touch
Still the one -- and I can't get enough
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one -- who can scratch my itch
Still the one -- and I wouldn't switch
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You are still the one -- that makes me shout
Still the one -- that I dream about
We're still having fun, and you're still the one
You're still the one, yeah still the one
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

There I stood

It was hot… so hot.

The ceiling fan above me was still.

Yet, I wasn't sweating unless you count that one little bead that just trickled down from my neck to my stomach.

How did I get here? With this man? I can't believe this is really happening.

I am scared.

Scared I will mess this up.

Scared I will hurt somebody I care about at some point, very deeply.

Scared that I don't really deserve the life I see stretching out before me.

Will this really work?

Everybody's watching me, even him.

How can he be so calm? So sure?

Why does he have so much faith in me?

Why don't I have more faith in myself?

He's never looked at me so intently before.

Oh. My. God.

This is it.

My voice! What's happening?! It keeps rising in pitch, I can't stop it!
When the Pastor gives me words to repeat, I'm taking a deep breath and trying to relax, but it's not working. I open my mouth and my voice squeaks!

Mom, I'm trying to "project" so they can hear me in the back of the church.

Sweetheart, I'm trying to remember what the Pastor said. I'm trying to believe in the things I'm saying to you. As you stand there. Looking, looking, looking at me. I can see your faith in your eyes, and all over your face. You believe in me. More than I believe in myself. You believe in US.

A nervous laugh bubbles up, but is quickly held in check and fades into a trace of a smile on my face.

The last of the vows were just delivered on a woosh of relief. My hands are shaking. My two middle toes on my right foot fell asleep somewhere during the scripture reading.

Now it's his turn. He's still looking at me. I search his face. Wanting to believe we'll make it.

Wow, he's handsome. I'm going to be his wife. W.I.F.E. Somebody's WIFE?! Me! He's going to be my HUSBAND.

God, I promise I'll take care of him. Don't ever make him go away. Let us be together forever. Let us build everything good that we may have missed out on growing up.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Gads… that was nine years ago. Look how far we've come. It hasn't always been easy, for either of us, but we're here. We made it this far.

He has stayed with me. He didn't leave. He still believes in me. He still believes in us. He's got me believing it, too.

I love him. He loves me. We both love her. We're a family.

If I could go back and talk to that younger Kel, I'd be honest with her. I'd sit her down, make her listen, and make her believe. He's a great man, but he's not perfect. "You may not be perfect" I'd say, "but you're a good person. Believe in yourself. Believe in what I'm telling you. It will all be ok. The pay is lousy, but the benefits are tremendous."

"Relax.

Open up.

Don't be afraid.

Laugh.

Hold on tight. This is going to be the ride of your life."

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