Shot full of arrows, St. Sebastian; fried on a griddle, St. Laurence; stoned to death, St. Stephen; the great martyrs who gave their lives for the faith are well known.

But what about the lesser martyrs, those everyday people who gave or are giving their lives for others according to the faith?

I know one well. To leave home, family, and friends for parts unknown, to work as a surgical nurse, to aid in the delivery of hundreds of babies, and at the same time raise a family which now numbers 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, all with love. Yes, that’s a martyr.

Begging your indulgence, I take this opportunity to salute my wife of 58 years on Aug. 8. After all these years, “anniversary gifts” are just ordinary. The first four anniversary gifts were great; another baby, first Lori, then Jean, then Joe and then Sheryl.

Those years are long gone. Now, having given her whole life to serve not only me, but everyone else, there is not much more to do or say except, “Thank you, Betty. Happy anniversary!”