This is just about the first anniversary of my open heart surgery last year, I am grateful for many things, including my being here. It could have been a very different kind of open house.  We wish to dedicate this open house to the spirits of four wonderful people who span the gamut of life and love.

First, to Mary Kellogg, our dear friend and wonderful poet, today marks the publication of her third volume of poetry, “How To Dance,” it is a testament to courage and determination and creativity. The creative spark burns brightly in Mary, and shines on the rest of us. She will be here today to read from her new work.

Then to our young friend Tyler, who has appeared out of the mists and time of life to enter our lives with his energy and hard work and remind us of the power and promise of youth. Tyler is an inspiration too.

We also dedicate the open house to my wonderful friend Paul Moshimer, who died a few weeks ago. He was a fixed point of love, thought and empathy, a man who worked every day of his life to be a good and better man and who, when all was said and done, succeeded brilliantly.

And finally, to Paul’s wife and our friend and a great friend to people and animals, Pamela Moshimer Rickenbach, a light unto the world, a chapter in courage and commitment, a healer and a listener and a lover. She fills my heart with light. She reminds us of how life should be lived.