My wife is the greatest gift God has ever given me next to Himself. This past Thursday she went on a trip to visit her family. That in itself is not unusual. About once a month she takes that trip. Her mom is now in her 90’s and my dear one wants to spend time with her in her golden years.

The unusual part this trip is that my wife was not feeling well when she left. She did not feel well the entire trip. She felt so unwell that she extended the trip by a day so that she could get enough strength and rest to effectively make the return trip yesterday.

As she made it to the airport she sent me texts about how poorly she was feeling and asked what she should do. She was sure she was either on the verge of a panic attack or a stroke. We both opted for the panic attack. It is truly amazing how anxiety can lead to bodily symptoms that appear to be something life threatening.

I gave her my thoughts, encouragements, and prayers. She made the flight without incident, though her flight was delayed close to an hour. I felt confident the entire time that she would be fine. Still, I was a great sense of peace to see the one whom I love standing along the street with the many others awaiting me.

As the years have come and gone our hearts and lives have been melded together in such a way that I hardly know what my life is without her. It has been over 1/4 century of our marriage. I could say 25 years but 1/4 century sounds more solid for some reason. This wonderful woman has become a part of my very being and I a part of hers. When you say that you commit to love and cherish each other and hear the officiant say from scripture, “…the two shall become one flesh…” The idea goes to sex and I suppose it should. However, that is only one small level indeed.
We have become part of each other as if we had been surgically transplanted into each other.

So, she came home! Yet, my dear is still not completely herself. That is where the, “…in sickness and in health…” comes in. I am writing and caring for her. What a delight to break my need for words and thoughts with the practicality of providing love and care to one who is as close as my heart even when she is hundreds of miles away.

I write about what is striking me at the time. I write about what is important to me. My hope is always that these thoughts can be translated into the life and times of others who read. I pray that you draw inspiration from these missives. Having my dear wife return to me, albeit feeling ill, grants an inspiration to me that I seldom can capture in word or thought. All I can do is be eternally thankful and grateful to the God who put us together.

Grace and Peace!