Dear David: today is the day I never imagined.  I have to sit down and write about your passing.  You’ve been gone for a year. Not the anniversary I planned on acknowledging. 

The journey we were on took us from amazing places throughout our 34 years together.  Today I will celebrate the life you led. I always thought we would grow old together. That’s not the case. There was not a time I could have predicted the last year of your life. The horrific devastating glioblastoma brain tumor that took your mobility, your voice, and eventually your life. You had multiple more adventures in your shortened life than people can even dream of! HMX Marine 1: traveling the world with presidents, kings & heads of state. 29 years flying as a commercial airline pilot with American Airlines. Lastly, a stellar instructor in the Auburn University School of Aviation for 3 1/2 years. Steady, well read, intellectually superior to most  yet you had a humbleness of that young boy from Robertsdale, Alabama. I liked you from the moment we met.  The intense blue eyes of yours that pierced the hardness of anyone. Always a student for topics that interested you: flying, politics, teaching, coaching, and rowing.  Never once did you ever boast about your accomplishments, which were many. Steady & predictable partner, father, coach, and friend: that was you! Accountable, solid, animated beyond reproach when discussing topics and interested you. 

You were supportive of my “anything I wanted to do”: rowing, bike racing, traveling with friends and family, starting businesses, moving across the country multiple times. You let me be in the spotlight, and took a backseat to some of my adventures. 

I see you in our son, Will. He's an amazing son, husband and now father to Hudson David Miller.  I feel your presence not only in my new home in Pensacola, but you are reflected in son Will and grandson Hudson who both share your name. The Miller Legacy lives on with 2 generations of Miller boys! Your attributes shine through in their smiles, actions & their blue eyes and mannerisms. 

Of course we all wish you were still here. Holding court at large gatherings, talking for hours on the phone with son Will or bestie Paul.  Hashing out all of the world’s major current issues with them both!

 I think back in the life we created: having our house in Austin that was activity central. continuing that on the Fish River in Auburn! 

Always extra people joining us for a meal. Dozens of various people living with us throughout the years.  Everyone from wayward high school boys who got kicked out of their house to Olympic rowers! They were all welcome at our house. You loved all of the activity! You let me embrace the occasional misfit that needed a safe place to live for days, months, or even years. The hundreds of people that came to a “Dave and Mo” party! That would not have happened without you waving your hands saying to me “go for it! Have at it,  invite everyone!” We were the central hub for so many year after year. 

Now you’re gone.  I’ve moved from our last house in Auburn and I live alone for the first time since 1986. I haven’t moved on yet. I am moving forward. I’ve been in this house for a little over four months. There’s already been many gatherings here. You would love the people I have met: neighbors, new friends & Pensacola Rowing Club members. I’ve continue to cook and entertain in my house. I find myself thinking I need to set a place for you at my table. You’re here in spirit enjoying the vibes and all of the conversations.

 Thank you for supporting me. I appreciate the independence I had even when I was married to you.  I can’t go back and change any of our history. And: it has made me who I am today. I refer to you as “husband, Dave“ and that will remain. I’ve met many people here that never got a chance to meet you. Your presence is reflected in the life  I have now. So they do get a “glimpse“ of you & the person you were by the way I live presently. 

Thank you for seeing me and accepting me in the way I am. How fortunate am I that I had you at my side for all those years? I honor your life today and every day as I continue in my life’s path without you.  Your influence is felt by myself and hundreds more. We all miss you and love you. 

Today, please reflect on David’s life and what he meant to you. He does live on in all of us!