Thank you, Uncle David, for being kind and funny. You impressed me with your memory and keen eye for details, your sense of humor, your novel observations, and matter-of-fact kindness. My most meaningful memories of you are from visits to Washington as a young kid, without my parents. On these trips, I remember connecting with you over jigsaw puzzles, problem-solving games, and a love of cats. I appreciate that you took time to connect with me on these common interests - I felt shy and sometimes out of place on these trips, and it helped me feel more at ease to focus on these things I liked so much. I think I was aware that you were observing and noticing details about me in a way I wasn't used to, and I was cautiously observing you as well. I remember noticing that you had a different approach and intent with your cats than that of most people I knew, and it certainly was very different from my own approach at the time. I learned that you encouraged and allowed them be who they wanted to be and naturally were. I don't remember the words you used to explain, but for me the idea of accepting cats for their natural behaviors and not focusing so much on what I wanted them to do was a new concept. It introduced the opportunity to observe things how they are, and enjoy that process rather than the results. I'd never heard anyone talk about animals that way before. It seemed like you extended me some of the same acceptance and goodwill, allowing me to like what I liked and encouraging those interest. Thanks for the boxes of puzzles and for opening my eyes to a level of jigsaw mastery I haven't seen in another person before or since. Thanks for allowing little-me to be how I was and to like what I liked, and for helping me feel noticed, smart, accepted, and welcomed on my first trips away from home and parents.