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.