Mr. and Mrs. Carl Adolphson "Keep on courting your wife."

That's the advice of Carl Adolphson, who lost his wife Charlotte in an automobile accident in 2005. He continues to grieve.

"We were married 51 years," he says, "and I was still telling her I loved her. I know if husbands can keep on courting their wives, the marriage will be better for it."

Adolphson's life story is full of ups and downs - too many downs, he admits. "I came to Columbia from New Jersey in 1954 with my new wife and her 10- year- old daughter to attend Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University). Before my freshman year was over, I had washed out." Adolphson said after that he was depressed and did not give his wife the attention she deserved.

"I would take my wife and children to church and leave them there, not attending myself. For three years I was sunk in depression, I call it periods of the way to Hell.

"My wife stood by me through a lot of bad times. I realized that love is a decision; you make a commitment. And for the last few years of our marriage, I courted her as I had in the beginning.

Adolphson sports an assortment of hats with the slogan, "Powered by Jesus." At age 80, he continues to work as a draftsman, specializing in designing and drawing steel stairways. He stays fit by riding his bike four miles and by working out at a local fitness center.

He hopes he is back on track. He plans a September return to Columbia International University, for just one course, in "Apologetics," (defined in the dictionary as "A reasoned defense of Christianity").

A relationship Adolphson has with a grandson serving a prison sentence has made him think a prison ministry may be exactly what God is calling him to do.