THE BIRTH OF AN UNFADING SMILE

The bride of my youth has a birthday today.

Happy birthday, dearest one. God blessed me bigtime when you walked through that door to be interviewed by a half-dozen pompous University of Illinois AFROTC cadets in the fall semester of ’64. I still have to catch my breath when you walk into the room.

If only I could have rounded up a marching band with 76 trombone players for today…

“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine… (Song of Solomon 4:7, 9–10).

We’ll see you in church.