Our story really begins with all of you -- the family and friends who have helped make us who we are across the decades.

From you -- our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, our children, nieces and nephews, our cousins, treasured friends, teachers and colleagues, and from the family and friends who are no longer with us -- we’ve learned to value courage and humility at least as much as confidence, to know that everyone has an interesting story to tell, and that fun, even in hard times, is a crucial part of life and marriage.

All of you have taught us that a shared laugh or song or ballgame can break through fear or anger and build a bridge. (Also good for falling in love, we’ve learned: a long walk, a committee, a game of catch.)

We both love to learn and ask questions (thanks for indulging us!), and know that science and faith are both instruments for plumbing life’s depths. History and family lore, we believe, can be as instructive as facts and figures. And building community is crucial -- we're all in this together. Huzzah!