From Dennis to my "Sunshine", Sept 2023

Christine Sykes, you are Wonderful because you are:

Balanced: Very few people have so many strong and complementary attributes as you do. Most people, including myself, excel in a few traits but are extreme or deficient in some things. I am grateful that you compliment my strengths, and compensate for my weaknesses.

Beautiful: I like the color of your eyes, your hair, your skin. Your smile and disposition are uniquely lovely. You are refined and gracious. The sound of your voice comforts me, especially when you read to me. I love so many things about you!

Brave: You have endured much hardship and pain, without complaint. You have embraced new challenges even when you were unsure or felt unprepared. Like when you first became an apartment manager, and an early-morning Seminary teacher. You encourage me to be and feel strong by your example in what you say and do.

Cheerful: You are exceptionally positive in your outlook on life and people. You find the good in situations and people, and focus on the opportunities. You make relationships better. Just thinking about you, anytime, makes me feel happier.

Clean: You keep your body fresh and pleasant. Your speech is always uplifting. Your thoughts are constantly pure. Our home is neat, clean, and orderly... and I like it!

Courteous: You are consistently polite and gentle with people. You are able to persuade others without giving offense. Everyone feels good when you are near. I feel more at peace and confident because of you.

Exciting: You liven up every group you are a part of. You instill confidence in others. You say and do fun things. When I am near you I feel young and refreshed. You make my heart flutter.

Faithful: You are true to your beliefs and commitments. You revere and actively preserve your relationships with God, family, and friends. You have a simple, pure, effective faith that yields blessings and results. I’m very grateful that we are on the same team.

Friendly: Everyone says you have a genuine wonderful smile and delightful disposition. You make everyone feel special. You take the initiative to preserve your friendships. You truly are my best friend --- because you consistently treat me so good, and make me feel special!

Fun: You are full of just enough mischief to be delightful. Most everyone likes you flavor of jokes and pranks. You make my life interesting and stimulating. I always look forward to coming home, because you are there.

Helpful: You are always willing and able to make life easier for others. You give of your time and sacrifice your own interests to make life better for many people. You make things easier, so more gets done. You strengthen, support and encourage me dozens of times a week, never asking anything in return.

Honorable: You have lived your life well. You have kept your covenants, and excelled in fulfilling your roles as daughter, wife, mother, friend, and woman. I am sure our Father In Heaven will say to you now: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I really do respect you.

Intelligent: You are able to pick up new things quickly. You are exceptionally artistic and creative. More important, you are wise: You know what is important and usually focus on those things that produce significant results. I feel confident relying on your judgment and decisions.

Kind: You speak well of others. You do not judge people harshly or in haste. You encourage your children; you are patient, and always support them. Over the past 13 years you have constantly, and intensely, cared for your daughter and mother through extended serious illnesses, challenges, and special needs. I often feel awed by the charity you exercise for others.

Loyal: You stand by your family, friends, and standards. You are steady in your support of many people. You always honor your church callings. I can always count on you.

Obedient: You live the commandments. You follow the counsel of our Church Leaders. You honor the laws of the land. You respect our parents, and other elders. I feel you honor me as a husband, father and Priesthood holder in our home whenever I am worthy.

Reverent: You honor and love your Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ. You exercise Faith in a simple and powerful way that inspires and humbles me. I am so grateful that you are my partner.

Strong: You have endured many hardships in our several years together. Some have been financial, some emotional, some physical. Yet you seldom complain, and you never shrink from the challenges or opportunities. You inspire me by your example. Together I feel we can do anything.

Thrifty: You are careful with our money and resources. You are good at saving. You are unselfish, and avoid extravagance and waste. Because of your wise stewardship I feel my efforts at work are all worthwhile and productive.

Tolerant: You patiently and unselfishly endure many faults in me and others. When they are unkind, you do not retaliate or take offense. You allow others to be imperfect while gently encouraging them to become better. You have been patient with me, for years, and I thank you for it.

Trustworthy: You keep your promises and preserve your integrity. Everyone can rely on you to be honest and fair, always. You inspire me to live better.

Your husband and friend, through 48 marvelous years. I look forward to our eternal reunion,

Dennis