Kelly has proven to me, once again, why it is that she is the Number One Hero of my life.

If you need a picture of strength, determination, fortitude, wisdom, endurance and the like, I would suggest that you put your war heroes aside. I would venture to say that you would be a fool to look to the wisdom masters and even those who have conquered nations with military prowess and power. As it stands, there is one woman on the face of the planet who, to me, represents everything that is incredible about Woman and even Man. With every contraction, with every moment of rest, with every step and new position attempted, with every tear and every laugh she has shown herself to be a living legend. You, oh Brave Man, know nothing of this woman's strength. You, oh Strong Man, know nothing of this woman's true beauty. You, oh "Rock Star", have never sung a note so beautiful and the song that she has sung over the last 48 hours.

Kelly labored, unassisted by either physician or medication, at our home for over 28 hours. Her mother, our friend Ami and I walked with her, rubbed on her, loved her the whole way. After all was said and done, we got not only the labor and birth we hoped for, our daughter is now at her mother's breast... a symbol of intimate communion and triumph all wrapped into one.

My daughter, the new and beautiful jewel of my life, is beyond words.   She has shown me that the world is new again. When she cries, I hear all of the struggle of this world in one tiny voice. When she rests on her mother's tender chest, I can see all of the comfort and tranquility to be found on our tiny planet. She has conquered my nation and I am proud to surrender.