Reading all these sad posts makes me appreciate my wife even more.
She respects and is kind to everyone, but is nobody’s fool. She’s an excellent mother in all regards. She was especially kind to my parents and older relatives when we first married. My Dad had a difficult childhood and early adulthood, and was an inward man and a bit of a curmudgeon, but she slowly broke down his tough shell to the point where in his last decade of life, he loved and respected her as much as anyone, more than some of his children.
What a lovely tribute to your wife. I have the feeling she could compose something just as sweet and meaningful about her husband.
Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends. She has rewarded him with good and not harm all the days of her life. She sought out wool and flax, then worked happily with her hands. She was like the merchant ships; she would bring in her food from afar. Then she rose while it was still night and provided food for her household and a portion to her female servants. She considered a field and bought it; from her own income she planted a vineyard. She clothed herself in might, and she strengthened her arms. She perceived that her merchandise was good. Her lamp would not go out in the night. She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasped the spindle. She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet, because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple. Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land. She made linen garments then sold them, and traded belts to the merchants; her clothing was strong and splendid; and she laughed at the time to come. She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue. Watching over the ways of her household, she would not eat the bread of idleness. Her children have risen and called her blessed; her husband also has praised her: “Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed them all!” Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the Lord—she makes herself praiseworthy. Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates. —Proverbs 31:10-31