James

Walked into Mother's Market, blonde hair and blue-green eyes

You asked me if I was married, I pointed to the sky

Said my husband was the Lord, but you still made me smile

Asked you to get me to church, and you went the extra mile

Sunday morning coffee waiting, your arm around my back

Wondering if you liked me, or if Nancy had the track

But I called you on that date, and you stayed on the line with me

Knew right then, my James, where you were meant to be

Twenty-one years of a love that’s equally yoked

Through the boardwalk laughter and every promise spoke

You make me a better woman, you bring calm to my soul

With a faith that amazes me, you make me whole

Now we’re walking this heavy road, but I won’t pull away

I’m standing by your side, James, every single day

Fourth of July with Refuge, a blanket on the sand

Kissing in the summer dark, holding onto your hand

You looked down at your fingers, told me they were plain

I said these are strong working hands, taking away the pain

Roller skating by the beach, laughing till we couldn't breathe

From the smoke stacks to the quiet parks, you're all I'll ever need

Even joking in the bedroom, yelling "nourishment" out loud

You're the smartest, funniest man in any crowd

Twenty-one years of a love that’s equally yoked

Through the boardwalk laughter and every promise spoke

You make me a better woman, you bring calm to my soul

With a faith that amazes me, you make me whole

Now we’re walking this heavy road, but I won’t pull away

I’m standing by your side, James, every single day

You were working on your truck outside your mother's place

Stopped what you were doing, looked me in the face

Said "You have my rib," and the goosebumps covered me

'Cause I prayed to God as a little girl for that exact decree

I told the Lord to hold my heart until He brought the man

Who gave up his rib for me, according to His plan

Now the shadows try to fall with this ALS fight

But I trust in God to heal you, and to make the burden light

Whatever is His holy will, I know that we'll be fine

Because His grace will carry us, your hand wrapped up in mine

You showed me what true love is, my best friend and my guide

Forever and ever, James, I'm right here by your side

Twenty-one years of a love that’s equally yoked

Through the boardwalk laughter and every promise spoke

You make me a better woman, you bring calm to my soul

With a faith that amazes me, you make me whole

I thank the Lord for every second, come whatever may

I’m standing by your side, James, every single day