Today is David’s 45th birthday . . . . Who could imagine it of him . . . He
has yet to grow up. He always said he would when he retired from the Navy,
but here we are, and he is as much a kid as ever.

David is not a big birthday celebrator, but has chosen to spend this day
indulging his introvert tendencies .. . . I have sent away every visitor and
guarded his space fiercely. Meanwhile he has napped, read with Quinn,
exercised for the first time in a long while, finished his book on Chaos
that FASCINATES him, and is now working away on Soduko. He requested a
special birthday lunch while the kids were at school and I cooked him steak,
pasta salad, and a gourmet cabbage salad - along with a special drink. He
was happy. Of course, for dessert, a bar of dark chocolate, specially
carried for this day.

You who know David know that he is steadfast, kind, gentle, brilliant,
loyal, faithful, and wise. He has tremendous character and integrity and is
unswayed by others’ opinions. He is a true leader, always able to decide
and act quickly, yet is characterized by a complete tenderness around those
he loves. I have never seen David angry at me or our children, yet I have
often seen him act with passion on our behalf.

I am sending out great thanks to his parents, Bill and Mim Pierce, for
raising a boy into a man - and sharing him with me. And to God, for knowing
exactly what Naomi, Quinn and I needed and giving him to us.

Truly David, we thank God daily for you. We love you more than we can say.
All the way to Alpha Centauri and back . . .