What do you expect from a man who is caring for his wife at home with the help of Hospice? His wife of many years has struggled with cancer for some time. The last round of treatments were not helping her, so they sent her home to be as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. What does a man tell his friends during such a time as this?

Those of us who are fortunate enough to be in this fine gentleman’s circle of friends have received consistent updates on her condition via email ever since her diagnosis. The reports have always been articulated gracefully with utmost regard for her dignity. But in recent weeks they have taken on a different tone.

He continues to provide meaningful updates on her condition. But the content and tone of his notes sound more like a love letter than anything else. I am not referring to a love letter in the sense of something that is mushy or sappy. And they certainly don’t have a Harlequin Romance novel tone to them. In his emails reporting on her health status, he is communicating his commitment to his wife in the most loving way I have ever heard from a man.

He continues to describe the way he is nurturing her during this scary time. He speaks of touching things they have said to each other. What he continues to share sounds like it could have come right out of a script of a sad movie, but it is no script. His accounts of their interaction with each other are all too real. And her illness unfortunately is all too real.

I have seen men over the years who are devoted to their wives, but I have never observed one willing to express that devotion to others quite like this one. I think even my most hardened among my male friends would have tears in their eyes after reading one of this man’s emails about his wife.

I have learned a lot from this fine couple over the past several months. The man I am describing is normally pretty reserved. I have discovered along with several others that he meant it when he said “in sickness and in health” the day they were married. He is crazy about his wife and he is not afraid to express it. In fact, his emails have been the quite the topic of conversation. How can we not be inspired by his unending devotion and tender spirit?

Today I will have the privilege of visiting with both of them in their home. And know I will be in the presence of greatness. But I do plan to stash some Kleenexes in my truck before I go. I will get to spend time with the author of some of the most moving love letters I have ever read.