One of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever known...my high school sweetheart...had another birthday recently...and while it has been more than thirty years since we last saw each other, it is a day I always celebrate in my heart...
In all this time, it would seem he has remained true to his values...he has grown up to be a great family man...a loving father and grandfather...and a wonderful friend to people we both grew up with...
His gifts to me were many...my first great kiss...my first true love...my first real bed...yes, I said bed...an ornate, antique iron beauty from his family cabin that I cherish still...
And the foremost gift he gave me was the courage to be myself...he inspired so much trust and faith...he was the first person of the male gender with whom I wanted to be real...in whose presence there was no pretense...no fakery...no hiding...
Image of Fallen Leaf Lake near South Lake Tahoe...
He taught me about love and life and goodness and how to show up in the world...he gave me an appreciation for nature and music and, yes, even river rafting...and for a few summers, he gave me the kind of love many a young woman only dreams about...
If by any chance he is reading this, I want to say thank you...you showed me how to be a better person...I will be forever grateful...which is what I celebrate each year on your birthday...