Renee's Birthday is today. The photo above was taken during her pregnancy. I think Renee had bravely made pasta for her Italian in-laws. Luckily, she was never put off by my sister's poor dining etiquette. And, yes, Anthony and Christopher are indeed as ornery as they look.

On the Anniversary

Today, I remember what Renee was to me.

When you get married, you hear a lot of flowery language about two people becoming one. Being poetically tone-deaf, such words were always lost on me. As I look back at my time with Renee, I see how she became a part of me and I her. When faced with the hard decisions of everyday life, such as, where we do live, where do I work, how do I teach and care for Henry, I hear her gentle voice advising me. Not literally, of course, but I feel her in my mind.

I can almost see her. She would furrow her brow, thinking hard about what would be best for Henry and I. She would never put herself first, she just wasn't wired that way. Finally, she would turn to me and, in a way that said she wasn't exactly sure, she would tell me what she thinks is best. And it always was.

She is still in me. I feel her this morning. I hope she knows how much I still I love her.

The Augustine Visit

Back in 2004, our friends Jade and Augie visited us. We hiked up Chief Mountain, the same mountain where we got engaged. She really enjoyed their visit. It was the first time she really got to know Jade and she loved her immediately. After they left, she wouldn't shut up about how much she wished they'd move out.

Jade, Augie and Renee taking a break on the way up the mountain. Stopping for the photo was most likely my idea and probably just an excuse to catch my breath. Renee never minded my poor cardio.