I have a confession to make. You’re probably going to make fun of me when I say this, but I really don't care because I’m not going to change.

I am a Nicholas Sparks FANATIC.

I have read every single book he’s ever written (except the newest one I’m saving for my trip to the beach next weekend). I have seen every single movie that has been derived from his books, to the point where I can annoyingly quote them whenever I decide to watch one.

With that being said, you can imagine how skewed my expectations of love were for the longest time. Mr. Sparks definitely sets the bar high when it comes to romance and “relationships,” if that’s what you want to call what happens in his books. But a little over three years ago, something happened that made me take a step back and examine my outlook on love.

I was in Alabama with my best friend Melanie and her family for the Fourth of July. We were visiting her Aunt Brenda and Uncle Jack, who, by the way, are the sweetest people ever. On the night of the fourth, we all piled into a couple of cars and drove to the town’s fireworks show. Melanie and I rode in the truck with Jack and Brenda while the rest of the clan rode in the other car. While we were in the truck, the four of us were just chatting away, Uncle Jack and Aunt Brenda telling us all kinds of hilarious stories. A few minutes before we arrived at the fireworks show, things started to quiet down. I was sitting in that back seat just enjoying the peaceful sights of their small town. Then out of the blue, I watched as Uncle Jack reached over and grabbed Aunt Brenda’s hand. She looked over at him and smiled while he just kept on driving, as if it was no big deal...but it was a big deal. At least it was to me, because right there in that moment, these two people painted a beautiful picture of what it really looks like to love someone.

That picture just stuck in my mind. They have been married for nearly 50 years, and they made holding hands in the car still seem so special and so endearing.

Since that day, when I think about the kind of love I want with my husband, that’s what I think of. Not a scene from a Nicholas Sparks movie. Not my husband looking like Channing Tatum. Just sitting in a truck, holding hands and laughing with my husband of 50 years.

A couple days later when we were on our way back to Georgia, I wrote this poem in the car. If I’m being honest, it’s probably my favorite thing I’ve ever written. I hope that when you read it, it reminds you that whether you’re single, dating, engaged or married, one of the best things you can do is find someone who will hold your hand through every single stage of life.

As our first date comes to an end

And all the butterflies have flown,

Would you hold my hand

In the car on the way home?

When our song begins to play

And the moon’s our only light

Would you hold my hand

And dance with me all night?

When you ask daddy for his blessing

And he smiles and says “You bet”

Would you hold my hand

Even though I don’t know yet?

And not long after that

When you get down on one knee

Would you hold my hand

As you slip on my new ring?

Through all the stress-filled months

Of planning our big day

Would you hold my hand

Every step along the way?

Right after we say “I do”

And you kiss your bride and smile

Would you hold my hand

As we walk back up the aisle?

Then when everything gets tougher

And we have our very first fight

Would you hold my hand

And dry all the tears I cried?

As you rush me to the hospital

So we can meet our new baby girl

Would you hold my hand

Even if I might break yours?

And while we watch the years fly by

As she walks and talks and grows

Would you hold my hand

As I learn to let hers go?

Then when she’s all dressed up in white

And she’s ready to change her name

Would you hold my hand

After you kiss her and give her away?

Then once she has kids of her own

And life is anything but boring

Would you hold my hand

As we tell them all our story?

And as our hair begins to lighten

And we get wrinkles by our eyes

Would you hold my hand

Under the ageless starry skies?

And on my final day

When my time on earth is through

Would you hold my hand

Even though I can’t hold yours too?

Then when we meet again in heaven

And walk down the golden streets

Would you hold my hand

For all eternity?