Today It's Your Birthday

4o years ago today, a beautiful and precocious baby Ginger was born to two loving, and expectant parents. She was their first together, a symbol of love's enduring power, spanning the Atlantic ocean and forever binding Liverpool, England with Vancouver, BC. It was this unique blend of The Beatles and Uncle Ernie's farm that created the sensational woman we know today: Bonnie Katherine Kilroe. With a passion for entertainment, and a sincere love for every living creature, she leaves a lasting impression wherever she goes. She certainly did for me.

Bonnie taught me about love, about what it takes to surrender to someone and trust. Those fragile, and tentative first steps towards each other began on the beach without a stitch of clothing to cover ourselves. It was her who offered an invitation to see each other again, and I gladly accepted, albeit in a cool, calm fashion. She rolled into the patio of that Yaletown restaurant literally, looking outrageous in her summer dress and rollerblades. Chastising me for looking at her profile as we bladed around Stanley Park, she showed a unique, and so rare side many of us prefer to cover up: her shyness and vulnerability. I proudly guided her through the darkness, as we had continued into the summer evening, avoiding pot holes and obstacles along the way. We spent much time learning to trust each other, and eventually fall in love.

Her ability to juggle the needs of others, and her own, and still be a working performer, left me wanting to protect her and control her actions to minimize any pain. She steadfastly refused to change, and had the courage to deal with life however fast and furious it may have come. We supported each other, and every time I left because I wouldn't let myself show, or feel any intense emotions, she would take me back and give it another shot. She is a testament to love, a testament to inner strength, and believing in possibility.

I had an almost imperceptible desire to love and be loved when we first met, but her fortitude, and belief in the power of love, made me want to be a better man. We had an amazing time together and I am so fortunate our paths crossed, and blessed to have known this beautiful woman. The world is such a better place with Bonnie in it. I am such a better man as well.