When you meet your destiny, you know it, even if you do not consciously admit it. I remember when I saw Patrick Feren for the first time. It was back in 1997 and I was at an actors’ gathering in New Mexico. He was standing across a crowded room. He didn’t notice me. “Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger. You may see a stranger across a crowded room, and somehow you know, you’ll know even then, that somewhere you’ll see him again and again.” It was sort of like that. I said to myself, “I’m going to get to know that person.”

Well, I had set the law in motion that day, and as my life unfolded, moment by moment, from business acquaintances, to friends, to lovers, to partners, to husband and wife, here we are on the Island of Kaua`i in our 23 year of relationship.

What I want to say today on Patrick’s birthday is that not only do I love him more each day, not only do I cherish our relationship and all that we are individually and as a couple, but I respect and admire him and am inspired by him more each day.

He is a beautiful human being, integrous, loving, inspiring, caring, genuine and courageous. When people tell me they had a rough childhood and that’s why they can’t move forward, I tell them about Patrick, who had as rough a childhood as the darkest inmate in any prison; and yet, here he is today, inspiring thousands from his huge heart, his childlike nature and his ability to make us laugh and cry at the same time.

I know magnificent things for him as his life continues on its path of perfect unfoldment. I am honored and thrilled to be on that path with him and I will do everything in my power to support him in whatever is next for him and for us. He is most definitely magnificent. I love you my dear husband. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Eternal Love,
Rita