Mattie

by Syl Dirks

My loss is poignant. I grieve. But I am not depressed. I feel lonely but am not alone; God is with me. Buoying me up are precious memories of good times and happy days, of kind words spoken and loving deeds done.

The faith in God and in Jesus Christ that Mattie and I held in common meant everything to us. My first gift to her was a Bible in which I wrote these words: @The Bible is the best book that God has given.@ Early in our courtship I sent a letter to my sweetheart with this ditty:

That may sound strange to you, but we knew that it was only through loving God first that we could ever love each other sufficiently.

On July 31, 1941 we exchanged marriage vows. We pledged to the other Alove and fidelity as long as we both shall live@. Each year, the 31st of July was a special day for us. At weddings, we would often hold hands and, while the bridal couple was exchanging vows, would silently renew our own. On birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day and Father's Day, we exchanged cards containing our own compliments, greetings and well wishes. For example, on one such occasion, Mattie wrote to me: AOn your birthday, as always, I have lots of love to send to the wonderful man I married, who is also my friend.@ On another occasion, I wrote to her:

I have found what the Bible says to be true:

AA man's greatest treasure is his wife--

she is a gift from the Lord@

(Proverbs 18:22, Contemporary English Version).

The Bible further says to husbands:

ASave yourself for your wife

and don't have sex with other women.

Be happy with the wife you married

when you were young. . . .

You should be attracted to her

and stay deeply in love@

(Proverbs 5:17-19).

Syl Dirks lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

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