Marlene has been my wife for 20 years. We celebrate our anniversary and relationship today. I can’t let this moment pass.

She doesn’t like fanfare. She is a humble, strong person. She shies away from the spotlight.

She has a fierce work ethic.
She is loyal and dedicated–to those she works for, and those who work for her.

She is thoughtful. She shops for Christmas on a year round basis.
It is nothing for her to be shopping for herself and to come home with a shirt for me and clothes for Megan …just because.

She cooks well. No matter what she says or thinks.
She is detailed. Nobody packs for vacation (or my tee shirt bag) like her.
She tells a great joke.
She handles finances for us…well.

She is the mom (and part time dad, when I travel) to the little girl/“tweenager”/wanting to be twenty-something called Megan. She is the object of adoration (and rightly so) from Pepi the wonderdog. She is a saint in my mom’s eyes.

She said yes to me to go on a first date.
She said yes to me when I asked her to share my life.
She said yes to moving from Lafayette to take a job in New Orleans in 1990.
She said yes to letting me try this speaking business.
She says yes everyday to me.

She says no, also.

She performed CPR on my dad as his heart was failing.
She was there when I had my own heart attack.
She is amazing to care for my mom so lovingly (I really think she missed her call).
She is the one of the most loving and compassionate ministers I know.

She is there at my worst. When I am angry, inconsiderate, self-absorbed, childish.
She sees me when no audience is there. She sees me stressing and obsessed over my preparations and travels. She knows my doubt and fear.

She makes me want to be a better person. She inspires me.
She has taught me about the depth of God’s faithful love like no other book, course or retreat.
She is my best friend, my partner, my love.

I love you, Merle. Happy Anniversary.
Thank you, God, for her.