A Man Named Dave

firm, not to mention his inept business relations in his career, I can simply say: Dave was way too kind! I do not mean to sound harsh and don’t intend to encourage hatred and resentment, but please understand that based on what I know and what I personally have witnessed, I feel these individuals were not worthy of his understanding, much less his kindness and patience for them. To Dave, the worst thing you can do is to break his trust. He feels that is the ultimate dishonor. And that’s exactly what these people did. Although I consider myself a very kind, well-grounded, and compassionate individual, I could have never endured a fraction of what Dave did in these relationships. No offense to anyone, but I would have kicked their butts (really hard), then run as fast and as far away from them as I could! I can testify that the events that have happened in Dave’s life he has given to the readers in bite-sized pieces; although the reality was and is much more crude. But if it was revealed to people in full strength, it would blow their minds and the message Dave is trying so desperately to convey. This is why God has bestowed on him all the well-deserved blessings: because Dave did the right thing; he was the bigger person; he turned the other cheek. Dave has endured and accomplished things that neither I nor a lot of other people ever could. I liken him to Job in the Bible. He lived a good life only after he lived a hell on earth and remained steadfast amidst it all. And I’m sure the story told of Job cannot justly describe his reality. The same for Dave’s life.
    Dave is simply precious. In fact, this is the nickname I gave him years ago, and I don’t hesitate to call him Precious whenever I can (much to his embarrassment!). And Dave is very modest! If you think he is a great individual, then you don’t know how great he really is. Dave is — without ego – the most compassionate, level-headed, unselfish, and devoted individual I’ve ever known. He is one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, the Outstanding Young Persons of the World, and a torchbearer for the centennial Olympic games, just to name a few. They don’t grant awards like these every day or for just any reason. These are distinguished commendations for unparalleled individuals who’ve made a difference in this world. But Dave would rather have you think it’s no big deal! And even when his first two books were officially published and only a few believed in their potential, while many folks predicted them as “fillers” in a book catalog and some went out of their way to sabotage the books and even laugh at Dave in the process, the books wouldn’t die. They not only became New York Times best-sellers, but Dave is the first author to have two books simultaneously on the trade paperback list. (Of course, this was when those doubting Thomases gave him the old “we were behind you all the way” routine!) Again, Dave remained humble and appreciative amidst such a great feat.
    As his wife, I want the world to know how adorable, loving, and dependable he is. How strong yet fragile his heart is. How brave yet vulnerable. How wonderful a provider and friend. My ally. My greatest fan and my biggest critic. Dave spoils me rotten. He says I’m his best friend, his princess, and his kryptonite. He jokes that on my good days I’m Bambi, on bad days I’m the Terminator. He’s the only one who can make me laugh or cry just by looking at me, and makes me feel like I can conquer the world. His unyielding persistence and impatience wears me out, but he’s my knight in shining armor, my soul mate, the most handsome man I know. I always feel the need to stick up for him, protect him, and defeat the enemy for him – when all the while he’s protecting and defending me.
    The greatest day in my life, besides being born into a wonderful family, and my beautiful Cinderella wedding, was picking up the phone years ago and introducing myself to a man named Dave. When I was assigned as his editor for A Child Called “It”, my life was forever changed. Soon I would ride the most frightening and blissful roller coaster of all time. From swimming in the depths of despair to dropping to my knees every day thanking God for the air in my lungs, my life with Dave Pelzer was destined to be. Because of Dave I have learned to appreciate life – with all its ups and downs. I’ve learned to love flowers, the Russian River, and the color of the sky. The smell of jasmine and the softness of