Thirty-eight years ago today, my young bride and I stood before a preacher in a friends living room in Mission Hills, CA, and exchanged vows. Since then, we’ve had three children and three grand-children, and a great life together. She passed away five years ago. I’m reminded of a little ditty I wrote for her:

My dear, I don’t care if we live on a prayer,

If our silverware’s just stainless steel,

If our diamonds are glass and our gold is but brass,

Just as long as our love is for real.