Gokedosama Ray!

Ray LOVES to Run!! In Japanese, the word "gokedosama" means someone who sticks with and finishes the race, someone who perseveres and endures the tough times. Ray is a hero to me and many people and a great example of someone who sets goals and sticks with them until he accomplishes or surpasses the goal. He has done this with running many, many times. I am often impressed at how many times he tops his personal best (PB). Each year his company holds a 5k run in the spring - he's won it every year he's run. I was able to video his run this year - it was fun to see the living legend in action. He recently got an opportunity to run leg 10 of the Ragnar Relay - Wasatch Back race. He made some amazing friends and had a great time. But what impressed me most is as he ran the most difficult leg "the ragnar" - 4 miles up-hill over Guardsman's Pass, he commented at the crest of the peak how he felt such an emotional release/relief to have accomplished such a difficult run. Of course, I wasn't surprised when I learned he placed 4th in that leg overall and 1st in his age group. When he encouraged me a few years ago to run longer distances, I was a little reluctant. I had always run, after a soccer ball that is. However, I never quite developed the passion for running he had. I started running longer distance and was quite amazed that it has developed into something I also enjoy. He always motivates me to do better and to challenge myself. He is a great inspiration to me - he is dedicated and it shows! Run Ray Run!

A Man of Many Talents

I'm often amazed when he reveals a new talent that I wasn't aware of. Ray was raised in a home where music was taught and often used as a form of expression. One of our first pieces of furniture was a drum set he had when he was a child. A few years ago we upgraded it to an electric/digital drum set. Ruby and I love listening to him play the drums to music on his iPOD. He loves music and it shows. He learned to play the guitar when he was in his early twenties and wrote/played me a love song when we were first dating. He is an athlete that can play most any sport. He is a handy-man that can fix most anything - he has an uncanny ability to take things apart and put them back together again. He was a mechanic (repairing cars) for several years in high school and college - he can diagnose and repair any problem I have with my car. He is a great cook - I always love when he surprises me with something yummy to eat. He is wonderful photographer and has a knack for creating just the right shot. He is an outstanding runner - he loves to run and is fast and graceful, like a gazelle. He is very creative and has written several children's books. As you can tell, I think he's quite talented!

Ruby Loves Dad

When we had been married 8 years we adopted Ruby, our miniature schnauzer. Ruby has a personality all her own and likes Ray for specific things. In the morning, when she is cold or just wants some affection, Ray will say to her, "Ruby, you want to snuggle?". She will then curl up in his chest and nestle in and snuggle. I love listening to their deep, sleep-filled breath as they snuggle in the whee hours of morning. It makes me smile to see their sleepy faces snuggled next to each other on the pillow. We've often overslept due to the snuggle buggle - Ruby.

Ruby also loves Ray because he plays with her on a level all its own. He will get down on the ground and wrestle with her, play tug of war with a toy, run in the yard with her, and play ball with her. She loves going on rides with Ray with the window down and the wind blowing in her face. She also loves looking out the window while he plays his electric drums. Ruby loves Dad!

Uncle Ball

Ray is able to relate with people of all ages, but very easily with children. One of our nephews, Sam loves playing with balls - any kind of ball (baseball, soccer, basketball, etc.). He loves when Uncle Ray is around because he always makes him laugh and they have fun playing with whatever ball is available. When Sam was first learning to speak, Ray quickly came to be known as "Uncle Ball". I love watching Ray as he interacts with his nieces and nephews because he can quickly connect on their level and is able to be in the moment with them, enjoying what they like.

He Makes Me Laugh

Ray is the master at making me laugh. He has an amazing smile and a fantastic sense of humor. I love listening to his laugh - he often laughs outloud when watching movies, TV, or listening to comedy. No matter the situation, he can always find a way to make me laugh. I love that he is willing to let his hair down sometimes and be silly. For Halloween, we've dressed up in a variety of costumes for parties with friends - he gets into character very quickly and is quite a hoot to be around. I think laughter is the best medicine and should be taken many times each day.

He Makes Me Feel Pretty

When I think about the many things I love about Ray, the list grows very quickly. I met Ray on his birthday 15 years ago while working at AT&T Universal Card. I was introduced to him through my trainer, Margaret. Right away I thought he was attractive and after a very short while felt like I'd known him my entire life. He quickly became my very best friend and is my very best friend today. One of the things that I've always loved about Ray is his ability to share affection through sincere compliments. I remember after dating a short while a question/compliment he gave me that made me blush. He said, "How can a woman as pretty as you, not be engaged/committed in a serious relationship?" I never really felt that I was that pretty of a woman and was taken by surprise by that compliment. He looks for the positive traits in others and helps them to really shine. He tells me every day how much he loves me and makes sure I knows my strengths.