I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful Valentines to share my life with. First and foremost is my partner of 21 years, Robert Ross, who has brought me more love and joy then I ever could have dreamed of. Not to mention that without him I’d still be wondering around on some God-forsaken backroad trying to find the gym in Wiesbaden.

My Mom and Dad are my as well as eachother’s Valentines and their unconditional love for their children and their friends has been a great source of inspiration to all who share their lives. Mom’s best friend, Mercedes, is also a special Valentine for Robert and myself. She has endured a great deal in the last year but still is like a graceful thoroughbred with unlimited energy.

My brother, Al, and his lovely wife of many years, Lynn, have a beautiful place in Nevada City, CA. On their farm they not only have horses, but other family members like Lynn’s amazing folks who live in homes on the property, making it even more fun. Lynn’s parents told me great stories of their time as Freedom Riders during the 60’s. Wow! Al is a retired superior Court Judge and he and Lynn not only have a great life both on the farm and traveling abroad, but have raised Lynn’s son, Shane, together. Shane is one of the most fascinating, intelligent, and fun people I have ever met.

My sister, Dale, is a para-legal in Austin, Texas. She is one of the strongest willed people I have ever known, posessing a heart of true gold at the same time. Not only is she rebuilding her own home herself, something I could never imagine myself able to do, she also takes in every rescue dog and cat that comes within a ten mile radius.

My other sister, Margo, has always been the life of any party, a trait which, along with her high degree of intelligence and business savvy, has elevated her to being the CEO of an Austin company. Her amazing husband, Dr. Bob Meyerson, is a medical doctor with 3 kids from a previous marriage and a huge heart, finding time from his busy schedule each year to travel abroad to third world countries ( a la Doctors Without Boarders) to help those in need. Their family is rounded out by my two beautiful nieces, Morgan, an actress in NYC, and Stacey, who is in college and engaged to a great guy.

Robert’s lovely Mom, Julie, and his fantastic brother, David, live out in L.A. and are two of my favorite people in the world. Their spirits are always an inspiration to me.

And then there’s our other family; our friends like Ron, Josh and David, Scot, Ken and Scot, Janise and Angelo, Katherine and Carl, Jacquie , Guenter and Shawn, and others too numerous to mention. What I can say is that I love them all.

My animals ; horses and dog, Simon, light up my life every day! I don’t know what life would be like without the love and joy they bring.

These are my Valentines who make every day of my life the wonderful adventure that it is. Like I said, there are many more that I didn’t mention who throughout the years have brought joy, inspiration, wisdom, and love to my life. I wish I could mention them all but YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

AND I LOVE YOU ALL!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

RD

Posted: Saturday, February 14th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Filed under: Everything Else