The sun has barely broken the skyline, my wife slumbers peacefully beside me on a much deserved day off. Sleep is elusive because I am to busy reflecting on the significance of this day. For most, this day has no real importance or standing. I mean, it is the last day of the tax holiday for back-to-school families buying clothes for the impending school year. Sunday church-goers no doubt are readying for a day of worship and family gatherings. But that’s not why this day has such significance for me.

Twenty-eight years ago on this same sweltering August day in a sleepy Texas town, I was restless and sleepless planning out my day. The only woman in the world who would have the tolerance to spend the rest of her life with me, was across town asleep. “DON’T DO IT”! Both families implored the night before. But like a lemming who must make a predetermined path despite it’s fate, I envisioned my course laid out before me. Divine appointment or youthful impetuousness, I was going to see this day through to its rightful conclusion, I had made my decision.

How difficult could it be? I was going to take the hand of a beautiful petite southwestern head-turner and I felt like the luckiest man in the world.

Now 28 years later as I hear her softly breathing, I can’t help but smile at my fortune. It’s ironic isn’t it? Our wedding license cost $12 in 1984, but a month later, the state of Texas doubled it to $25. An therein is where my fortune lies. I got my wife, the most beautiful woman in the world, at 50% off. Yup, Hands down the best investment I EVER made.