Always Faithful, Always True

A stack of old letters, a note here and there...as I go through files and boxes of momentos accumulated over the years, invariably something will pop up that Rich wrote to me telling me of his love and devotion.  For me, it is a blessing to have words of endearment from him coming unexpectedly and steadily even now.  The fact that I have so many is a testimony of his dedication to letting me know of his commitment to love and cherish me until death.

 When he entered the Marine Corps, I asked him what "Semper Fidelis", the Marine motto, meant.  He wrote back that it means "Always Faithful". He said "always faithful" was an apt description of God and that he wanted to be always faithful to me and to the Lord.  He was!

Principles and truths guided Rich's life.  When he found a principle that he believed was true and right, he would stick to it, no matter what.  Faithfulness to our marriage was fueled by these verses found in Proverbs 5:15-19

Drink waters out of thine own cistern, And running waters out of thine own well.
Should thy springs be dispersed abroad, And streams of water in the streets?
Let them be for thyself alone, And not for strangers with thee.
Let thy fountain be blessed; And rejoice in the wife of thy youth.
As a loving hind and a pleasant doe... And be thou ravished always with her love.

For 43 years he remained a faithful husband and father.  On this, our anniversary, I honor him. He was "Always Faithful, Always True."