When Rhea was a freshman in high school, she was committed to coming home each day and telling my seventh grade tormented self about the happenings at Bellville High. I am sure I probably threatened her with her life if she didn't account every day in detail. Among those happenings was always a cute older boy named Peter Krol. Of the things I paid attention to, her recountings of the cute older boys were definitely at the top of the list. If not the tippity top. Which is why it still makes me smile and laugh that out of all the men in this world, that one she talked about her freshman year in high school is the one she created her life with.
She, and God and the universe, couldn't have picked a better man. The way you love Rhea makes me happier than even The Hill used to make me. Thank you for welcoming me as a somewhat of a package deal with Rhea. Thank you for talking about Zach, for never squirming away. Thank you for rescues at the cemetery and always being a voice of reason. Really, couldn't have picked a better man even if I picked him myself.
The role you helped walk Rhea into as a mother has been one of my favorite things to witness in this lifetime. Watching you both become parents to Emma has been an honor and a joy like no other. Thank you for loving my two girls so well, for providing for them and, quite literally, building a home and a life that will see so much happiness and love and laughs it makes this hardened old soul tear up just to think about. You're a special one, and I'm so glad we get to call you ours (what did I tell you? package deal, remember?).
Thank you and I love you, Petey.