Nineteen seventy-six… Third row back in English class… There sat a girl named Dianna… Green eyes brighter than any line Shakespeare ever wrote. I didn’t know it then… But God was already writing our story. She’d tuck her hair and look my way Green eyes turned my knees to clay Teacher talkin’ verbs and prose But Heaven bloomed like a summer rose Dianna smiled when I’d lose my place Mercy written on her face I misspelled words, she’d softly grin And that’s the day my life began I couldn’t see what God could see A lifetime waitin’ patiently Every chapter, every page Started there at seventeen Dianna said yes in English class To a love we prayed would last From teenage dreams to silver past The Lord held tight and held us fast Forty-nine years and she’s still my girl Green eyes shining in a changing world Nana to angels with bouncing curls But forever and always… she’s still my girl We married in a quiet little place Close friends gathered, simple grace No grand hall, no shining aisle Just sacred vows and tear-filled smiles A wooden cross and folded hands Two young hearts and wedding bands Didn’t need much — we both agreed Just faith in God to plant the seed From mountain roads to ocean foam United States to lands unknown Canada skies and New Zealand rain But home was her in every lane Dianna said yes in English class And I thank the Lord for that Through every storm that thundered past His mercy made our love steadfast When my mind gets cloudy now And I can’t quite remember how She takes my hand so patiently And brings the world back home to me Forty-nine years… she’s still my girl Three kids raised on bedtime prayer Porch light flickers and kitchen chairs “Don’t slam that door!” and “Time for bed!” So many words we’ve gently said She’d steal the blankets, I’d steal dessert We’d laugh through bills and times that hurt She’s always right — I’ll testify That’s one truth I won’t deny Now little voices fill our days “Nana! Papa!” joyful praise Sticky hugs and crayon art Grandbabies wrap around our hearts I ain’t as strong as I once was Some days my thoughts just drift because Time has taken bits of me But it left her love — steady as can be I may forget a date or place But I won’t forget those green eyes’ grace Like Ruth of old, so strong, so true The greatest gift God ever knew If Heaven measures faithful love By years below and crowns above Then Dianna’s name shines bright In God’s own book of holy light Dianna said yes in English class And that yes is why I last Through failing strength and seasons fast Her faith and love hold me steadfast Forty-nine years are not enough For all her grace and all her love If I could start this life again I’d find that classroom… and say amen Green eyes shining, heaven-sent My greatest blessing ever lent Forever, always, till life is through Dianna… I still choose you Sweet Dianna… If I forget every word I’ve ever known… I will never forget Those green eyes… And the day you said yes.
