No Words (04/26/2026)

Fifty-seven years ago today, Kenneth and I were married at Cathedral of Epiphany Cathedral in Sioux City, Iowa. I was only 19 years old; Kenneth was 22 years old. I remember the day. I remember those present. I remember my hopes. I remember his love and his promise. Today, I give thanks for his love and for his promise kept and for my hopes that became reality.

Fifty-seven years ago today, I didn’t think about today. I never imagined I’d see today. Honestly. I have learned along the way so much I never realized I didn’t already know and I’ve set down so many things that I realized didn’t really matter. Life is like that; it has a complicated way of simplifying what is essential. And today, I realize that where I am is less important than who is with me.

Fifty-seven years ago today, I thought I had all the right words. Today I recognize that my vocabulary is inadequate to express what I know and feel. How does one find a card that expresses adequately to another what their loving presence has meant? I have read every card in Walgreens card section, and I didn’t find one. So, I settled for the “closest” and tried to write out what was missing.

One thing I know for sure is this. The years have taught me to say the words, to tell the other while I have a chance, for there are no guarantees.

Today, as I go through my day with Kenneth, I know I will recall so many times that he has surprised me and that I will also recall so many times when his quiet, loving way consistently didn’t surprise me but did tenderize my heart. I will remember a man who cultivated weeds because I loved them, a man who did laundry to help out when I was working for my degree, a man who was by my side for every chemo treatment with chips and humor. I pray he has some good memories, too.

May this day be blessed not only for Kenneth and I but for all. May it be a spring day that warms the heart of everyone and stirs the love in homes and neighborhoods and communities. May it be a day of good memories, happy hugs, and loving words. And may we take time to give thanks to the LORD without whom nothing is, most especially us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.