I found two dimes in my pocket the other day - both dated 1965. What are the odds? I mean, finding one coin that's 41 years old maybe, but two?

Anyone who knows me could probably tell you I have way too much time on my hands. And if you weren't certain of that already, I should mention that I also like playing with numbers.

Last week, as I fidgeted over the many ways to say "I love you" to my bride of 20 years, I started writing down several important dates in our lives. I came up with seven dates that, of all dates, are the most notable. They are: her birthday, mine, our anniversary, and the birthdays of our sons.

Not being content with simply listing those dates, though, I proceeded to add each row of six-digit numbers (months, days, and years). Then I totaled those numbers and divided the result by the number of dates I had written. The result? Exactly 20. Exactly the number of years we've been married. If any of the dates had been one digit off, it wouldn't have worked. If I had waited until our 21st anniversary to toy with those numbers... well, I wouldn't be wasting your time about a silly numbers trick.

I know it's not the wildest coincidence you'll ever run across; and I know something about strange coincidences:

Twenty-one years ago I had a friend at a church in Valdosta, GA. It happened that he was engaged to a teacher at a school attached to another church in town. He knew I was from Illinois, and asked if I would be interested in meeting a new teacher at his fiance's school. This girl also happened to be from Illinois. I'm no statistician, but I think the odds of that are probably close to one in 50; not a sure thing, but not a long shot by any means.

To make a long story short (and much less romantic) we met, fell in love and - as I have already said - we have been together happily for now 20 years. But I get ahead of myself.

While we were dating, a few odd coincidences came up. For instance, we found out that:

• Both of us were born while our fathers were in the military.
• Both our dads were vice presidents of their companies when we met.
• Both of us have an uncle "Buddy."
• Both of us have an aunt "Faith."
• Both of us have a sister named Debra Lyn (Well, my sister is actually Deborah Lynn).

One more? Okay:

• Add our older boys' birth dates (1/11 and 3/11) and you get our youngest son's birth date (4/22)

What are the odds? Really, any one of those is just a silly coincidence. All of them together are still not Twilight Zone material. But you have to admit, it's pretty uncanny.

Of course, if that were all we had in common, it would be nothing on which to build a relationship. Thankfully we found many common beliefs, interests, goals, and desires; and through the years we have created many more.

When we were engaged, I told Nancy that God had brought us together, and only He could part us. Hopeless romantics on my part? Perhaps it was, back then. But now - with my love for her two decades deeper - I am more and more convinced what a Heaven-sent wonder she is: great friend; caring mother; captivating lover. What are the odds of finding a woman like that?

Nancy: The truth is, while the numbers (coincidentally) add up perfectly, the words that best express my love for you are harder to calculate.

You are the sum of all that is good about my life. You are a part of every part of me, and without you, nothing quite figures the way it should. You are the common denominator in every joy, every comfort, every strength that I own. Without you, my life would be only a fragment of what it is today. And I love you, so very much.

Happy Anniversary.