The best thing that happened to me was Marjorie.  I was blessed to recognize her.  I was amazed when she quickly answered “yes” to my proposal.  Everything is different, and infinitely better, because of her.

She liked me, but couldn't love me because I wasn't a member of the Church.  She gave me a Book of Mormon, and lights came on everywhere.  As I read the book, I became happy.  I learned that I could be rid of my sins and of guilt.  I could be clean.  The future was suddenly bright.  I understood who Jesus Christ is, and what He's done for me.  I went to work to make myself worthy of baptism.  Following my baptism Marjorie took me to her house where I broke down and bawled like a baby, something I hadn't done for years.  I felt so clean!

I've never looked back.  I never want to again experience the darkness that was my pre-church life.

My baptism was preceded by very concerted efforts to change everything that wasn't right in my life.  I was making myself worthy of my Savior's blessings, but I found that everything I did was preceded by the thought, “Would Marjorie approve?”  She was my standard for goodness.

My metamorphosis required five years.  During half of that courtship I was a non-member.  Then I was a sailor in the U.S. Navy, and marriage wasn't possible.  At the earliest opportunity I proposed.  We got married in the Salt Lake Temple during my two-week leave between naval assignments in Japan and Morocco, North Africa.  In the temple during Marjorie's endowment, we left the Garden Room and climbed a staircase to the next room.  Marjorie and I ended up side by side as we ascended the stairs.  She was in her white wedding dress.  She was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen.  I was astonished.  We were ascending together to heaven.

I'm still astonished.  You, Marjorie are the best thing that ever happened to me.

Because of you I found the Church and gained a forever testimony.

Because of you I found Jesus Christ.

Because of you I found happiness.

Because of you I've been supremely happy for the last 56 years.

Because of you I was able to make crucial, eternal covenants.

Because of you I have 10 children.

Because of you those 10 children are all happy, well-married, and faithfully serving.

Because of you I learned that I not only have worth, but that with the Lord's help I can do anything.

You and Jesus Christ are my Saviors.  My salvation and exaltation require both of you.

You are everything to me.

You are my rock.  You are my favorite thought.  You are my protection, my umbrella, and my shield.  You are gentleness, compassion, and my best friend and confidant.  You are my sun and my North Star.  You are my care-giver.  You've done a superb job of that for 54 years.  You are my hope for eternity.

I'm trying to be all of those things for you, too.

It is a privilege and an honor to be married to you.

You are everything to me.