We all have them in our lives, heroes that is, and some of us are blessed to have wives also. The word hero is used way too frivolously: sports heroes, heroic acts, even animal heroes, we certainly have high praise for a lot of heroes.

I have had only three heroes in my life. My Dad taught me a lot about family, commitment and work ethics. My dad was also a hard working Christian man.

Jesus was and will be forever the world’s greatest Hero for saving all of us who believe and trust in Him, our Lord and Saviour.

The hero of this story is my wife, Sharon Rose. At a quick glance she looks like most average middle –aged women except for an inner glow she exudes. Her love radiates to all those that know her. Working with special needs children, her calming influence is felt by all students, even those not under her direct care. Fondly remembered by graduated students, those memories can last a lifetime as someone who cared.

This inner glow that Sharon emits comes directly from God’s love. She was the daughter of a respected and humble Lutheran minister who taught her the love Jesus can bring to us all. Her knowledge of the Bible and its teachings have come to my aid on many occasions. Sharon was like the woman I prayed for as an adolescent.

In my youth I was bullied, depressed and nearly suicidal. I prayed with all the passion, fear and loneliness of a very desperate adolescent. I was very specific in my prayer, “Please Lord, please let someone love me unconditionally, please deliver me my soul mate and Lord, if possible can she be a blonde, Finn, Christian woman.”

God did indeed grant my request and by the time I turned eighteen, I met my unbelievable, unexpected soul mate. When there has been turmoil, suffering and hopelessness, Sharon has always been there. Her calming influence in desperate times, has been the rock that has kept this marriage whole. She has given me a lot of understanding of God’s Word. I can ask her anything and she will have an answer for me or know where to look in the scriptures for it. It’s kind of like having your own minister on hand 24/7. I have never, ever lost faith in 58 years, but I might have strayed if not for my wife.

I could not work anymore and to make ends meet, Sharon had to take a second full time job for a few years, never once complaining. She also helps look after our two aging mothers.

Being married to Sharon is in some ways like being married to Mary Poppins. She is a magnet for kids and pets alike. I will never forget a moment, a moment in time that best sums up my lovely, beautiful wife of almost 30 years. Our big dog Katie was very ill, she was dying on the bathroom floor. I stood by watching crying, unsure what to do. She went in and laid down beside Katie on the floor, gently rubbing Katie’s forehead, comforting her, soothing words expressed in the last few hours of Katie’s life. This type of compassion, this type of affection is just normal for my dear wife. I love my wife, I really love my wife.

I was so blessed to have met my wife when I was just eighteen. To meet your other half, to meet the only person your soul can bond with at such an early age was truly a miracle.

I was the Rock and she was my Rose. She has now become my Rock. I go over these thoughts daily with God – surely my wife must be able to read my mind?! I am of Finnish stock and extremely proud of it. Finnish men do not express themselves very well, except to God. This writing is just as much for me as for her.

I praise God every day for the blessings He has bestowed on me. A future I could not envision as a child, I only know the truth, the faith and the knowledge God would answer my prayers. I cannot even begin to repay the love, the kindness and forgiveness God has given me. All I can do is pray and tell people about His love for all of us.

Thank you Lord, my Saviour of saving us all.
Thank you Lord for all the love You have shown me.
Thank you God for such a beautiful, loving caring wife.
Thank you Sharon Rose for believing in me.
Thank you Sharon Rose for loving me.
I Love you Forever & a Day.

by
Barnwood57