To some, fifty-six is just a number.
To others, it is more than half a century,
merely a time in one’s life that comes and goes,
often with regrets
but mostly without fanfare.
But when a marriage lasts fifty-six years,
that is an anomaly,
something remarkable,
worthy of notice.
How does that happen?
Why does it last?
For starters,
you have become so entwined in my life that I
could no more part with
my arm, leg, or my heart and
still feel whole or
alive without you.
Although my body may weaken,
my love for you grows stronger each day.
Most importantly,
we laugh together and
enjoy being close;
we depend on and
watch out for each other—
we have truly become one flesh.
But mainly,
hand-in-hand with Christ,
we rejoice in the life He has given us—
both the good and stormy times—
for we know, He sustains us, and
we will cherish every anniversary
He grants to us and
celebrate them as a bonus.
So, Happy Anniversary, Dear.
I will love you to my last breath.