From John: "Yep, the Best Yet, #44"

Dearest Jan, Today we have been having some fun listening to a song that you and everyone else at Kroger were humming this afternoon, The Longest Time by Billy Joel. Some of the words of that song speak to me about our relationship over the years.

Nov 27, 1971

If you said goodbye to me tonightThere would still be music left to writeWhat else could I doI'm so inspired by you

(That hasn't happened for the longest time) ... Yes, there were times when neither one of us was inspired by other, probably even the opposite in some instances. But I have learned so much from you about our relationship with Christ that I am inspired by you to search and experience more.

And the greatest miracle of allIs how I need youAnd how you needed me too

(That hasn't happened for the longest time) ... Yes, there were times when we were quite distant emotionally from each other. But over the years we have drawn strength and support from one another during the hard times and now we are reaping the benefit in working together rather than against each other.

Now I know the woman that you are

(That hasn't happened for the longest time) ... And probably never will, for what man can truly say he understands the depths of his bride. But I have lately come to truly appreciate who you are more than I could/should have in the years past.

In The Longest Time, there is some question as to the eventual outcome of the relationship. However, you and I have a favorite song that speaks to an enduring and endearing relationship, which I am looking forward to sharing with you in whatever years we have left. In fact, you may have blogged about this song on previous anniversaries, Holding Hands by Steve Green.

I think you ought to know thatI intend to hold you for the longest time, John