Forty-two years ago today, we said our vows at a small campus chapel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The day was bright and clear, and thankfully not too hot. It was a relatively low-scale affair, but we were surrounded by our friends and family, and a wedding party of 4 including us!  We had been focused on the day ever since our engagement exactly 6 months prior, and for us it has always been a sacred day.  One year ago today, at Topsail Beach, NC, we reenacted our wedding ceremony on the beach, again surrounded by our family.  Vicki's father walked her along an "aisle" ringed by the families of our children, including 16 grandchildren.  It was another bright and beautiful day, and every bit as sacred as the first.  Nels played tunes from our original ceremony on small bagpipes, and we recommitted ourselves to the Lord, to each other and to our family.  We took lots of pictures to help remember the event.  What I think is significant about Vicki's life was how much she loved the Lord. She had tremendous passion to make him known.  She studied the Word assiduously so that when she imparted wisdom, it was from a heart molded by the Word.  She worked tirelessly to bless her family, to share her faith, to encourage and exhort the women in her sphere in their Christian walk.  We all miss her greatly, and especially me.  I find myself thinking about her constantly, and there are so many things I would like to be able to talk with her about.  Jesus proclaimed, "Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" John 11:25. I am trusting in this, and in many other promises in Scripture for the hope of seeing her again.  And I am extremely blessed by my beautiful family, that shares in this hope with me.  Happy Anniversary, Darling!