A Letter To My Wife For The World To Read

Dear Debbie,

How can I possibly thank you for who you are, what you have done, and for loving me without reservation for three decades? It is impossible. Thirty years ago today I took your hand at an altar and before God shared a promise with you to love and cherish each other until the ugly cold hand of death should separate us. Thus far that hand hasn't been able to lay a glove on us.

Our love for each other has produced three incredible children. We share a deep pride in each one. Not one has walked away from us or the love we have instilled in them for God. And now as we have added a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter the days just grow sweeter and more meaningful. There will, no doubt, be another daughter-in-law added to the mix someday. And more grandchildren. Those are the only ways I can imagine improving on the nearly perfect.

But for me ... it is all about you. The way you smile. The sound of your laughter. The grip I feel on my hand when we walk through a crowd of people. The quiet moments. The shared meals. The smooth, easy, deep sounds of your sleep washed breathing by my side on a dark night. For me, those are the sounds of peace and satisfaction.

Would I change anything?

I would move you to my side in our new hometown more quickly. I would take away the asthma that sometimes reduces every breath you take to a major battle. I would sit with you more often with absolutely no agenda. I would stare more deeply into your eyes and listen more intently to your words. I would memorize every moment. I would work harder so that you could work less.

Other than that? No. I would change nothing. I would stand at the same altar at any moment you choose and take the same vow of love and faithfulness. I would spend our days the same way we have spent them, in the same places, with the same people, and with an intense sense of pride to have you by my side. For you are the best part of me.

Thank you for loving me. I can never say it enough. I love you. I love you. I LOVE YOU.

And I will be by your side for as long as you will have me.

Ron