Miles arrived in Wisconsin Wednesday evening, and we spent cherished time together before he left for North Carolina this morning.

In retrospect, 2004 has been a tough year, and I wouldn't have made it through so wholly intact if it hadn't been for Miles. In a period of six months, two of my uncles and a grandfather passed away. The losses of old acquaintances, former classmates, and a beloved pet came on their heels. You learn humility from years like these. You learn the value of time.

Developments in my mother's illness took on negative overtones, and my optimism seemed to cower away, tail tucked between its legs. You helped coax it back, Miles.

I am certain that I have tried to pick my share of fights, that my fuse has been short, and that I have been a bear to live with. Miles, I want to say today, here at the end of this unhappy year, thank you for holding my hand.