For those who do not know me, my name is Henry Samuels and I have been asked to offer some comments on this special occasion. I am truly honored to do this. Cindy and Mark have been married for 25 years now, and I will start by saying that God does indeed work in strange and unpredictable ways.

We all like to know the origin of things, so we must ask "how did these two meet and how did they stay met?" When these two first crossed paths some 28 years ago, Mark was a reserved young man with very long hair even by the standards of the time. He had liberal political beliefs and was inclined to thoughtful reflections. Cindy was a member of Phi Chi Delta sorority and was well known for her love of parties. They were introduced at a campus party where Mark quite surprisingly found himself one evening. After that first brief encounter, well, Mark had something new to reflect about. He was smitten. A few days later Mark had built his plan. Simple but effective. He called Cindy, asked her to the campus 'Ratskeller' for a late dinner and to listen to some folk music, and the rest as they say is history. They remained a couple through their junior and senior years and have been inseparable ever since.

We all like to compare and contrast, a device Mark insists on so often in his classroom. (As most of you know, Mark is an English professor at TeachEmGood University.) I note that with all their similarities, it is only natural that these two should have built a life together. So what do we know about Mark and Cindy?

• Mark revels in reading and quiet pursuits; Cindy does the tango.
• Mark is frugal (some say parsimonious); Cindy loves Prada.
• Cindy can juggle feathers in a windstorm; Mark would rather get this job done and then move on to the next.
• Cindy loves the telephone; Mark calls it the devil's spawn.

• Mark thinks the two most important words in a marriage are "Okay, dear." Cindy agrees, provided Mark is the one saying them.
• Mark thinks it's important to apologize and acknowledge mistakes when they make them. Cindy agrees that Mark should do so.
• Cindy thinks it important to celebrate life's passages such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and sports triumphs. Mark agrees, provided Cindy takes charge.
• Cindy thinks the occasional romantic getaway is critical to a healthy marriage. Mark couldn't agree more.