It was December 23, 1949, that is many years ago, 67 to be exact.  Anna Ruth and I were scurrying about doing last minute things in preparation for the huge event, our wedding!  I could not find the certificate or license that showed we had passed all the physical tests, and that we were ok for marriage. After a hectic dashing about I found the papers in my inside coat pocket!  In the coat that I was wearing.  Will I never learn?  No further hitches.

A remarkable wedding the morning of the 24^th, Christmas Eve, in the Jacob and Cora Charles front room, presided over by Bishop Henry Lutz.  Anna Ruth’s brother’s prayer still rings in my head.  Words something like this – May their love be as deep as the ocean and the hardships like the foam on the waves.  I forget the exact wording but every year since then, on our wedding day, I remember those wise words. I am sure the kind Bishop had similar meaningful phrases, but I have since forgotten.

That was a marvelous way to mark a threshold in our lives – the initial steps in a journey that we are still on, and ever aware of the hand of God that is on us.  I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to God for Anna Ruth and for our blessed life together.  I am blessed more that I could have ever imagined.  Amazing!