Giving away my daughter

Friday, July 25th, 2008 I walked my beautiful daughter down the aisle and turned her primary care over to another man. I can't tell you how amazing this day was, and how it will rest in my heart and in my mind as long as I live.

Amber was, as always, stunningly beautiful. Without question she was the second most beautiful bride I have ever seen (but I guess I'm partial to my wife that way), and I'm pretty sure I shook just a little bit as I answered the pastor's "who gives this woman to be married to this man?" question. I'd be lying if I said that a big part of me didn't want to pick her up and take her away, as if that would have kept her being "my little girl" a little while longer. Of course, I didn't. Of course, I answered that her mother and I gave her. Of course I handed my daughter's hand over to her soon-to-be husband.

And in reality, it was much easier knowing that I was giving her hand to a young man who cherishes her like every man would want his daughter cherished. I'm glad to know that she has chosen a very genuine, godly man with whom to spend her life. Nick is one of the finest men I have had the pleasure to know, and I'm glad and honored to call him "son."

So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. Nick Siler. She may be his wife now, but she'll always be "my girl." God has blessed us richly.