Thoughts on Ali
I've been lucky in life. I've had my share of dissapointment like everyone else, but I believe I'm way ahead in the "good stuff" vs. the "not so good stuff" that has come into my life. Ali came into my life in my later thirties. I had just gone through a divorce and life and the world just "sucked". I was first attracted to her by her incredible laugh. Yes she is an attractive women: athletic, smart, cute, good sense of humor, independent, generous, kind, and really fun to be around. But what I really appreciate about Ali was how she made me a better person. I used to be a little too competitive, quick to be angry and lose my temper, and a little too self serving. I still have those qualities but in much smaller doses now. She inspires you to be better by example. My son Jeff once said about Ali as his boss, "She would never ask you to do anything that she wouldn't do herself". She is a very hard worker. Sometimes I call her a "workaholic". She is very strong and tough. She is no whimp. I've seen her battle cancer, stand up to abusive men while defending a young female employee, compete in pressure athletic endeavors with a calmness that is amazing. I've seen her give unconditional love to her step children and grandchildren but also be stern and straightforward in her opinions and advice to them. She has accepted them and given her love as they have respected and loved her in return. Most of them say, "She's the "coolest" grandma anyone could have". I know she's made me a better parent. She has coached me (the supposedly real coach) through teenage events, weddings, divorces, pregnancies, and many other life changing passages. Ali is one of the most charitible and giving humans I have ever known. She rivals my mom's generousity and that's pretty insane. She has given me and shared with me a life that I am so thankful for and really look forward to everyday. I know people talk about soulmates and I don't want to get all mushy here, but she is my best friend in life. When I do think about my love for her I do get kind of teary eyed. It is pretty intense. OK, Pat, let's not lose it here. I remember once picking her up at an airport one night with her friend Deedee. In those days you could wait at the gate they arrived at. When she walked through the door, my heart flipped out and skipped a beat. I was so excited to just see her. She is the one! In everything I see and experience in life if she is not by my side, I usually think to myself, "Oh Ali would like this" or if she is with me, she usually thinks and feels the same way I do. We cry at the same parts in movies. We usually can finish each others sentences. We sometimes don't even have to say anything. We just know. I know I am very fortunate to have had Ali come into my life and I thank God everyday that I have had the priviledge to be with her and to love her. She is just amazing and I admire her so much. Thanks Ali I love you soooo much.

More to come on my thought's about Ali