She didn’t want a diamond,

Just a simple wedding band.

And so it was.

She wore the gold ring,

Unembellished,

For 41 years.

I wear it now,

On my little finger.

I took it from her hand

When she died.

She knew I would.

The ring will stay on my finger

Until I die

As a reminder

Of her magnificent spirit--

Of her loyalty,

Friendship,

Optimism,

And courage;

Of her kindness,

Patience,

And gentleness;

Of her love.

I hope that when I die,

My children take the ring

From my hand

And display it proudly.

May it pass to their children

And to their children’s children,

So that generations of descendents

Preserve the memory of the woman

Whom I was blessed to call my wife..