Darling Sylvia,
I am gift challenged. I do not know how to choose gifts. In June, I was in a full blown panic attack over what gift to give to you to honor our fiftieth anniversary. You deserve diamonds and pearls but married a Grayling boy whose jewelry sophistication was based on looking in the windows of Davis Jewelry. I did not have a clue.
At Key’s Fine Jewelry, we worked with a very friendly lady to build a pendant based on your mother’s canary diamond. When she finished, she quoted the price. You turned and looked up at me with a timid smile that softly asked “Can we afford it?” I swallowed hard; the tears flowed, not because of the price, but, because you were so beautiful. You were more than worth it (definitely a ten-cow wife, according to Johnny Lingo).
Jewelry costs money but other gifts may be more important. Today I want to add some gifts. I give to you the gift of paying attention to my health as I age. I will keep my weight down, take care of my pacemaker, and monitor my blood pressure. I will remain physically active in order to keep my mobility as long as I can. I pledge to you that I will do my part in continuing to grow our marriage. This is a time in my life when you are my most important priority. I will be present in the moment and continue having fun. I promise, ala Dr. Seuss, to learn new things and to take you wonderful places where you have not been before.
Love you, Eddie Bert.
