I first met my best friend in July of 1972.  My Dad had just retired from the US Navy and we moved from Big Sur, CA to Eugene, OR so that he could get his degree in Library Sciences.  We searched for a church to attend and finally they decided on Berean Baptist. There a big part (6 kids) of the youth group was the Berry family.  I hung out with Jim and Chuck, visiting their home and hanging out with the youth group.  I dated someone else during most of high school.  Ruth and I both graduated from High School in mid June 1975, the 12th for me.  On the 23rd I helped my family move to Portland and at 0500 on the 25th I went to boot camp.  When I graduated boot camp, I was stationed at San Diego and on weekends when I didn’t have duty I would fly to Eugene and stay at the Berry home.  I would fly in on Friday evening and take Ruth out to dinner, and on Saturday I would have another friend pick me up and take her out to dinner.  It was a different girl every Saturday, put I didn’t know I was angering Ruth.  Evidently one time she slammed the door in the girls’ face.  Sorry, whoever you were.  After that I was stationed in Hayward and whenever I wanted to talk with someone at home, I would call and talk to Ruth.  She even moved to California while I was there and we went out a couple of times, even going to the coldest church either of us had ever attended.  I would write her long letters.  After getting out of the Navy I moved to Portland and we would see each other sometimes. In December of 1984 I invited her to a Huey Lewis concert, but she didn’t want to go.  I thought that was the end, although I do remember writing that I knew I would either marry Ruth or another woman, I know who, but don’t know if it would be wise to reveal her identity.   In March of 1985 Ruth invited me to a birthday party for her and her brother Jim.  I said I didn’t have enough money, so she came and got me in Portland.  That was March 5, on March 17 we were engaged.  People that only knew one of us, commented that it might be rather sudden, people that knew both of us commented that it was about time, after all we had known each other for thirteen years at that time.  We got married in July of 1985 and have gotten closer ever since.  Although there have been times when I have tried to push her away or my depression or anger have interfered with our relationship.  A best friend is always there for you no matter what and that would describe Ruth.  She sticks by me and is constant in praying for me and encouraging me and helping me to be a better person.  This July we will have been married 25 years and have known each other for 38 years.  I am looking forward to 38 more years.  I am  very thankful for the gift that I been given of Ruth Ann.