Our Granddaughter

A Tribute to a Remarkable Granddaughter On Her Birthday

Some people move quietly through life, content to follow the well-worn path. But our granddaughter has never been one to settle for the ordinary.

A dedicated athlete, she has run trails others would fear to hike, often alone, high in the rugged mountains of California. On one such trek, she crossed paths with a bear — and rather than panic, she responded with the calm resolve that defines her spirit. The bear sensed her composure and moved on. So did she. That’s how she approaches life — steady, smart, and strong.

She brings that same courage and presence of mind to her profession as a Physician Assistant specializing in Cardiology. Each day she blends sharp intellect with deep empathy, helping patients and families navigate some of life’s most vulnerable moments. She is not only a healer — she is a listener, an advocate, a comforter.

But it’s not just her mind or her work ethic that inspires. It’s her light — the way she enters a room and makes people feel like they matter. She’s witty, always present, always attentive, and humble. She makes you feel seen. That’s rare.

Recently married to a U.S. Deputy Marshal, also an athlete - but she says she is faster - she now shares her life with a partner who also believes in service and strength — a fitting match for someone with such integrity and purpose.

And then there’s the story of the dog.

Left tied to a tree in the wilderness, a frightened and weakened German Shepherd was all but forgotten — until she came along. Where others may have looked away, she comforted him, and gently coaxed him back to health. That once-broken animal is now her companion, protector, and most loyal friend. Because love — when given unconditionally — heals more than just bodies. It heals souls. She understands that, instinctively.

She’s always been much wiser than her years and she reminds us that bravery is often quiet. That strength looks like compassion. And that the most beautiful lives are the ones lived in service to others.

Happy birthday to a granddaughter who not only lights up the room — she brightens the world.

Grandma and Grandpa