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from Ally's parents:
The most important expectation we had ever set for you, Ally, was that you would grow up to believe in God of your own accord, and with His guidance and strength become your very own person. You have far exceeded anything we could have ever imagined.
Not even out of college, already having traveled to Greece and Italy, you announced that you were going to Australia – the other end of the earth - a land of dreams. It was a surprise to us – to follow a dream so far away but you seemed so determined; we could see it was what you wanted and we supported you wholeheartedly. Not only did you succeed in your schooling there, but you surprised us once again not too long after– with your phone call of your opportunity to work at the 2000 Olympics. That is a dream that so many have filling their applications four years in advance if only for the privilege of volunteering. You, on the other hand, were sought out and hired. We started to cease being surprised and realized that you were a woman of great potential and determination –unique in many ways. That completed, you returned to the U.S. with plans to work in at National Defense University in Washington, D.C., we didn’t ask how anymore, but knew that you would make your way there too-- and you did. When your two year tour there was over, I was speechless in listening to the words of respect, appreciation, and admiration that were offered in your honor from so many high-ranking officials, the president of the Institute among them at your going-away-party. I was so proud. Afterward, you would make your way to the Air Force and then on to pursue and complete your first Master’s degree. And, if that wasn’t enough, you decided that as a swimmer all your life, you needed to expand that arena as well, by competing in triathlons, and finishing your first Half-Ironman when you had only learned how to ride a bike a few months before.
It is no surprise then, that when you asked us to meet Pat, we knew that he could be no ordinary man. We knew he had to be someone very special and he is--in more ways than one. From my very first visit where he picked me up at the airport (without you) and brought me home to meet his children and have dinner, signs of respect, consideration and deep affection for you, I knew he was a very special individual. When he later invited all of us over for Thanksgiving week and took the time to work on the cars with your father and taking him hunting (your father’s favorite pastimes), even more apparent was his devotion to you. It was just as obvious to your father, a man of few words, who simply said: “Yes, he is a good man.” You have made it so easy for us to open our hearts to Pat.
Pat, you in turn have made it just as easy for us to embrace you and your two children into our hearts and our lives. We see you fill Ally's life with every treasure possible through your love, kindness, consideration, and tenderness. We see it in her face; we hear it in her voice. We just love watching the two of you together. I love hearing you both laugh. It seems like such a natural progression in every way. There is no doubt that a Divine Hand has guided you both. We pray that you both continue to look to God for strength and guidance as you start your new life together and always. We will continue to support the both of you now– as you reach for even more dreams. We are very happy for you and we love you both very much.
With love always...
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