FORTY THREE years ago today, I met Alice Marie Yoder and 1,000 days later we had our very special wedding day. New students at the college were invited to spend some time in a professor’s home to get acquainted. Both of us ended up at the same professor’s home, and that was the start of a great relationship.
To Alice, my Love!
Thanks for letting me into your heart,
And sharing your life with me!
You accepted me for who I was,
The young man from West of the Mississippi.
Soon after our marriage, man landed on the moon!
Two great events in a single year!
You’ve been my best supporter,
On the many paths my life has taken me!
It’s been a pleasure to be your husband,
Pilot, pastor, boss, photographer, and best friend!
I’ve enjoyed hiking with you in Colorado,
Arizona, India, and in Nepal!
You are the best cook in the whole wide world,
And can make sweet rolls that are loved by all!
Our many guests have consumed 1,000’s of your chocolate chip cookies,
And many, many loaves of your delicious home-made bread.
You were very adaptive in your cooking and baking,
Whether you were using an electric, gas, or wood cookstove!.
Besides being a great wife,
You are a great mother, and grandmother!
With your communication skills you make a great story-teller,
Whether for guests, your sons, or grandsons.
You can tell many tales from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa,
As well as Canada, Iowa, and Bangladesh.
Thanks again for who you are,
And what you mean to me.
Marland, your Grateful Husband
Septmember 18, 2009
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