“Today I will accept another ring…”

Lana Iliyn & Chris McCoy

Words spoken by bride Lana Iliyn McCoy to her father at her wedding on July 12, 2009:

Daddy, when I was a little girl, you gave me a promise ring, and over frosty milkshakes, you assured me that you would always be my date. In my impressionable heart, you instantly instilled security and peace. What you wanted to say, although I may not have understood it as a 13-year-old little girl, was, “Lana, here is a man who will always love you, will never leave you, and ultimately would die for you. Until the right man comes along, you will never have to search for another love. My love for you is a reflection of how much the Lord loves you.” Daddy, in a moment and in one simple act, you “spoke” all of these things to my heart. It has been 13 years and my soul still clings to your words.

Today I am marrying an amazing man—one who reminds me a lot of you. Chris is the kind of man you told me to look for . . . one who loves the Lord and also loves me. Because of your example, I found Chris, and I kept that promise that you asked me to make as a 13-year-old little girl.

So, Daddy, here is the ring. It’s a little tarnished, and it’s missing a stone or two, but that’s because I wore it. I want to give this back to you, because today I will accept another ring: a ring that I will wear “until death do us part;” a ring that reminds me that I have a man “who will always love me, will never leave me, and ultimately would die for me.” Thank you for loving me. Today I want to honor your impact in my life. I love you!

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