"This day brought me M.A., although I didn't know it at the time and would not for another 17 years. She brought to my life, love, friends, gardens, meal upon wonderful meal, patience, forgiveness, father and uncle among the finest men I know, poetry, passion, my window on the world of news and journalists, courage, resolution, purpose and all the other great and good things of life. That is much to ask of a single day and much to be given."