A Man Named Dave (37 page)

As his wife, I want the world to know how adorable, loving, and dependable he is. How strong yet fragile his heart is. How brave yet vulnerable. How wonderful a provider and friend. My ally. My greatest fan and my biggest critic. Dave spoils me rotten. He says I’m his best friend, his princess, and his kryptonite. He jokes that on my good days I’m Bambi, on bad days I’m the Terminator. He’s the only one who can make me laugh or cry just by looking at me, and makes me feel like I can conquer the world. His unyielding persistence and impatience wears me out, but he’s my knight in shining armor, my soul mate, the most handsome man I know. I always feel the need to stick up for him, protect him, and defeat the enemy for him – when all the while he’s protecting and defending me.

The greatest day in my life, besides being born into a wonderful family, and my beautiful Cinderella wedding, was picking up the phone years ago and introducing myself to a man named Dave. When I was assigned as his editor for
A Child Called “It”,
my life was forever changed. Soon I would ride the most frightening and blissful roller coaster of all time. From swimming in the depths of despair to dropping to my knees every day thanking God for the air in my lungs, my life with Dave Pelzer was destined to be. Because of Dave I have learned to appreciate
life –
with all its ups and downs. I’ve learned to love flowers, the Russian River, and the color of the sky. The smell of jasmine and the softness of silk. Because of Dave I’ve learned to forgive and to forget. To see the brighter side of life. He has shown me how important it is to walk the talk and to be an example to others. And most important, he has helped me to see how broken lives can mend from hearts and hands that care.

My precious Dave, I love you so. I’m proud to know you, blessed to love you, unworthy to be loved by you. And to be your wife and friend … no words under heaven could ever describe.

A retired air force air crew member, Dave played a major role in operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. Dave was selected for the unique task of midair-refueling the once highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. While serving in the air force, Dave worked in juvenile hall and other programs involving youth at risk throughout California.

Dave’s exceptional accomplishments include commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, as well as other various heads of state. While maintaining an international active-duty flight schedule, Dave was the recipient of the 1990 J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award, making him the California Volunteer of the Year. In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA), joining a distinguished group of alumni that includes Chuck Yeager, Christopher Reeve, Anne Bancroft, John F. Kennedy, Orson Welles, and Walt Disney. In 1994, Dave was the only American to be selected as one of the Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) for his efforts involving child abuse awareness and prevention, as well as for instilling resilience in others. During the centennial Olympic games, Dave was a torch bearer, carrying the coveted flame.

Dave is currently working on a book entitled
HELPing YOURSELF,
that encourages readers to eliminate destructive baggage from their past while transforming their negative experiences into a fulfilling, productive future. His future works after that will include themes of humor in relationships.

When not on the road or with his wife, Marsha, or son, Stephen, Dave is either traipsing through Carmel or lives a quiet life on the Russian River with his box turtle named Chuck.

You can visit Dave’s Website at www.davepelzer.com for more on Dave.