David and I met in 1972, when we both worked a local bank.  He was not cut out for banking.  He could do the job easily, but he was bored, and longed to be back at a job that he truly enjoyed.  We spent many hours talking during slow times at the bank.   We became great pals, because we shared so many interests and a similar sense of humor.  In 1986, I moved away, and Dave and I lost touch with each other.   Twenty-five years later, we were reunited, and discovered that our friendship had only deepened during the years apart, we instantly knew that the other was the person we had been seeking.  In September, 2012, we were married.  I am so happy and grateful to be his wife!

We have a connection that is deep and strong.  We still spend hours talking, but we also spend hours, just being together quietly.

He is kind and compassionate..  In every business he’s owned or managed, he’s listened to everyone’s sad stories, and tried to help them, by staying open later to accommodate their needs, or reducing a price, even if it cost him money, or going out of his way to find what they were seeking.  He is always thinking of nice things to do for others.  He can’t knowingly hurt any person or any animal, regardless of how they treat him.

Dave has a tender heart.  All you have to do is see him with people he cares about, or with little children, or our family and friends, and you will see the tenderness in his eyes and his warm smile.

He is patient and calm, never in a rush.  I have a tendency to become flustered if I’m trying to get something done, and it’s not going as quickly or easily as I had hoped.  He pats me on the shoulder, and says, “Take your time!  There’s no rush.”   If I have a busy day, he always tells me to “Relax.  There’s no need to rush.  Sit with me and let’s visit!”  I love hearing those words, and I cherish the many hours we have spent relaxing and visiting.

He loves my daughters as if they were his own.  He is there for them if they need him.  He listens to them, offers them guidance, teases them and is constantly looking out for their best interests.

He is intelligent and knowledgeable    At first when we reconnected, David couldn’t understand why we homeschooled.  He teased me frequently about playing hooky, or cheating the system, but over time, he has grown in his understanding of it.  School was not his favorite place to be when he was younger, but learning was something he did naturally and easily, and continues to this day.  He loves to read, and to watch documentaries. He’s traveled extensively, and there is seldom a place mentioned that Dave has not visited, or studied.   He is an encyclopedia of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, from food to history, to the law, politics, sports, cars, motorcycles, geography and more.  He learns from every person he meets.  People have always said that I have a wealth of knowledge about many things, but I think sometimes that Dave’s knowledge rivals Google…

He has the most genuine, loving, kind smile.  When he smiles, my whole world looks brighter.

He is generous.  Whatever he has, he shares willingly.  When he had a pickup truck, if a friend or family member needed to use it, there was never a question.  Take it!  If he’s eating, he’s willing to share his food with me and anyone else at the table.  He doesn’t like it when people don’t let him pay for something.  He wants to be sure they are compensated for what they have done.  He has a very giving spirit.

He is supportive.  I could not have made it through the past few weeks, without Dave’s love and support.  When I hit my lowest moments, he is there to sooth me and hold me tight.  We don’t have to talk; he just holds me close.  He has held my hand through every frightening moment, and looked in my eyes, and said, “We’ll get through this!”  When I’m overwhelmed by details or problems, he handles them.  He keeps me grounded and calm.   As angry and sad as he feels with this entire situation, he is my rock.

David is my husband, my best friend, my partner, my true love, my confidant, my joy and so much more.

I love David with all my heart, and I can never express how grateful I am that we found each other again after so many years apart.  Each moment has been the best moment!