The Rock

I remember reading a book in school - I think it was called "The Cay". In any case, it had a photo of a blind black man on the cover with shockingly white hair and beard. I don't remember much about the story except that it was on an isalnd, there was a cat and it involved a hurricane. The boy and man in the story lashed themselves to a palm tree with rope to ride out the storm.

There are a number of people in our life that have been that tree to us this past year . . . . people who we have clung to for stability and support and, sometimes, for dear life. Today one in particular comes to mind.

The first person to befriend my wife when she moved from Oregon to California in high school - a friend in college who tirelessly worked behind the scenes of the singing / drama troupe the wife and I met in . . . a sharp wit, a sharp mind and an unbelievable memory . . . consistently delivering a 2x4 right between the eyes when you need one and offering a shoulder to cry on afterwards . . .

A constant source of strength and encouragement . . . she flew down from Sacramento the day after Annabelle was born just to be with us . . . she spent the night in the hospital with the wife when I was too exhausted to . . .

We are God parents to one of her beautiful daughters and for all the support and encouragement she has provided us throughout the years, timing and the miles have prevented her from the opportunity to ever hold little Annabelle in her arms. I don't think there is a person on this earth who loves Annie more who has not been able to hold her.

Happy birthday my "God-Sister" Heather, when we see you next there will just be more of our three girls to hug . . . all around . . .