May 26, 2005

Four years ago...

I was standing at the far end of the aisle, with my dad and brother there and Harlan as my best man, and I felt like Indiana Jones standing at the lion's head, clutching at his heart and looking at an abyss beneath him as he was preparing to make a leap of faith.

Backing out was neither an option nor an issue. Still, I felt the sort of nervousness to be expected of someone embarking upon an endeavor for a second time when it crashed and burned the first time.

And then I saw Kathleen coming toward me, resplendent in her wedding dress (which, in accordance with tradition, I hadn't seen her in), her parents escorting her, and I calmed right down. Everything came together for me at that instant and I knew it was all going to turn out fine.

And now we have a motorized little speed demon named Caroline, and she continues to be a great mom to our little one, a great stepmom to Ariel, Shana and Gwen (I can't tell you the number of times Shana and Gwen have called with some problem and said, "Hi, dad, is Kath there?") and a wonderful wife to me.

We're not doing anything especially elaborate; just going out to dinner tonight. But just being together is more than enough.

PAD

Posted by Peter David at May 26, 2005 12:21 PM | TrackBack | Other blogs commenting
Comments
Posted by: DneColt at May 26, 2005 12:50 PM

Happy Anniversary!

Posted by: StaR at May 26, 2005 12:57 PM

Happy Anniversary... nothing beats true love!

Posted by: Bill Mulligan at May 26, 2005 12:59 PM

Happy anniversary!

Posted by: darrik at May 26, 2005 01:03 PM

Aww, happy anniversary.

Posted by: insideman at May 26, 2005 01:03 PM

Happy Anniversary-- with a full and long life of more to come.

Posted by: CCR at May 26, 2005 01:06 PM

Congrats! I figured if you could take the time to write about your anniversary, I could take the time to congratulate you. Happy Anniversary!

Posted by: James M. Gill at May 26, 2005 01:25 PM

You're a very lucky man, Mr. David. Congrats and continued good fortune :)

Posted by: dave golbitz at May 26, 2005 01:25 PM

Not to further feed the echo chamber, but Happy Anniversary, Mazel Tov, and L'Chaim!

Posted by: Emeka at May 26, 2005 01:29 PM

Peter, you're the coolest comic book writer there is. No question. Have a great night, and I wish u both a happy life together.

Posted by: Robin S. at May 26, 2005 01:31 PM

Happy Anniversary! May you have many, many more.

Posted by: JAG at May 26, 2005 01:38 PM

Congratulations

Posted by: Nick at May 26, 2005 01:41 PM

Congratulations Peter - that is awesome. If you do not already have a restaurant in mind, I can recommend an outstanding one in on the water in Northport called Maroni Cuisine - probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to with an unbelievable tasting menu. Could not recommend it highly enough.

Again, congratulations

Posted by: Kevin T. Brown at May 26, 2005 01:43 PM

Congratulations!

My wife and I are celebrating 9 years this Saturday. Marriage is a wonderful thing when you find that right person.....

Posted by: R. Maheras at May 26, 2005 01:49 PM

Happy anniversary! Personally, I think marriage ages like fine wine, and only gets better.

Posted by: NIcholas at May 26, 2005 01:52 PM

Best of wishes to the both of you.

Posted by: Elayne Riggs at May 26, 2005 01:53 PM

Already said my mazel tov's on Kath's blog, but another Happy Anniversary wish never hurts!

Posted by: Kurt Onstad at May 26, 2005 01:56 PM

Happy Anniversary! And this actually reminds me. I've been wanting to share with my girlfriend (probably fiance soon) the story of your asking Kathleen to marry you at Disneyworld, but I don't hang on to old CBGs. Is there somewhere that it's reprinted, and if not, could you put that one (actually, two as I recall) up here soon?

Posted by: KRAD at May 26, 2005 01:57 PM

As I said in Kath's blog, I can't believe it's been four years since that magnificent wedding. Congrats to both of you (and to the four offspring), and may it be the fourth of many!

---KRAD

Posted by: Mark Patterson at May 26, 2005 02:04 PM

Congratulations, Mr. David!

You give the rest of us aging guys hope!

May you have many more anniversaries together, and may your best day last year be your worst day this year.

Posted by: Mark Walsh at May 26, 2005 02:04 PM

Happy Anniversary, Peter. May your heads rest on the same pillow for many years to come.

Mark W.

Posted by: Zeek at May 26, 2005 02:05 PM

Congrats to you both! Nothing more beautiful then a man expressing his love! You're both lucky to have found eachother.

Posted by: Peter David at May 26, 2005 02:08 PM

"If you do not already have a restaurant in mind, I can recommend an outstanding one in on the water in Northport called Maroni Cuisine - probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to with an unbelievable tasting menu"

It's got an edible menu? Wow. Maybe we should check it out...

PAD

Posted by: BBayliss at May 26, 2005 02:12 PM

You big lug....

Happy Anniversary.

One question.. When you say "Harlan" was your best man, do you mean Harlan Ellis??

Posted by: bbayliss at May 26, 2005 02:14 PM

uhhh... Harlan Ellison, I mean!

Posted by: Kyle Dasan at May 26, 2005 02:23 PM

The thing that really brings a tear to my eye is the fact that a little pop culture phenomenom called "Star Trek" brought these two people together.

May you both Live Long and Prosper.

Posted by: Kathleen Pearlman at May 26, 2005 02:27 PM

Congratulations! 4 years is nothing - my husband and I met in the back of a comic book (Batman)and we've been married 20 years this June....

Posted by: Queen Anthai at May 26, 2005 02:34 PM

Happy Anniversary to you both! May you have many, many more, and the best of wishes to your entire family as well.

*clinks glass*

Posted by: Chris Grillo at May 26, 2005 02:36 PM

Happy Anniversary!

Nothing especially elaborate? Say no more. Say no more. I know what you mean [nudge-nudge-wink-wink].

Posted by: Bobb at May 26, 2005 02:47 PM

Congrats on your anniversary!

one question: are you getting anniversary gifts, and if so, are you going traditional or modern?

My wife and I recently celebrated our second ann., and I was faced with the traditional "cotton" gift, or the modern "china" gift.

Needless to say, my wife loves and appreciates her cotton covered maternity pillow far, far more than she would a plate or tea kettle.

Posted by: Andy Holman at May 26, 2005 03:22 PM

Happy Anniversary. Many more years of continued happiness.

Posted by: Tom Galloway at May 26, 2005 03:22 PM

It's got an edible menu? Wow. Maybe we should check it out...

Well then, next time you're in Chicago, you should certainly check out Moto, which seems to have the only mad scientist gourmet chef that I've heard of. Among other things, the menu is edible, and diners are encouraged to crumble it into broth to make soup [insert your own alphabet soup joke; it's just too easy].

http://www.motorestaurant.com/reviews.html

Haven't been there myself, but the reviews certainly have it at the top of my list next time I'm in Chitown.

Oh, yeah, happy anniversary. : -)

Posted by: Thomas E. Reed at May 26, 2005 03:25 PM

Thank you, Mr. David. I've seen you with your lovely lady several times at conventions - usually at a distance. You two and your family are a dream brought to life. You give me hope that I, too, might find a special someone whose love would provide peace to my soul - after I become a world-recognized writer in several media, with the respect of many peers and an army of fans. (sigh)

Posted by: Luigi Novi at May 26, 2005 03:30 PM

Congrats, Peter. Here's to four more. Or forty more. :-)

Posted by: Michael Pullmann at May 26, 2005 03:48 PM

Much joy for your blessings.

Posted by: eD! Thomas at May 26, 2005 03:53 PM

Happy Anniversary!!

Posted by: Paul Balze at May 26, 2005 04:20 PM

Best wishes to you both.

Paul

Posted by: Patty Cryan at May 26, 2005 04:31 PM

Time flies, doesn't it? The four years since that wedding day of yours seem simulataneously so long ago and yet so immediate.

The happiness that you two share is palpable.

May you both continue to share joy and health.

------pmc2

Posted by: Gerry at May 26, 2005 04:37 PM

Congratulations, and many, many more years of happiness to you both!!

Posted by: Peter Badore at May 26, 2005 04:43 PM

Happiness. That's all that matters, isn't it? When it really comes down to it? Sometimes it's elusive - at least for a while - but so rewarding when it arrives. After your loss last week, it all comes around again. Congratulations!

Posted by: Baerbel Haddrell at May 26, 2005 06:12 PM

Congratulations! I hope you had a lovely time.

We have known each other for quite a few years longer but in two years my husband and me will celebrate our tenth anniversary. Our bond even grew stronger when Jennifer, our little whirlwind, was born when I was 40 and is nearly as old as Caroline.

Growing up with two Trekkers and otherwise SF nuts (kind of :)) she is already becoming a fan of many series. Recently she put her little shopping basket over her head, playing R2-D2. And when I called "Come her, my little darling" she came running laughing "Dalek! Extemminate, Extemminate". We were both laughing, it was so funny!

Yes, being happily married is wonderful and we know very well how lucky we are that we had a child after all.

I am hoping for many happy returns for both of us.

Posted by: Robbie at May 26, 2005 06:17 PM

Happy Anniversary. That's really nice to hear that you guys are doing well.

Posted by: Iowa Jim at May 26, 2005 06:36 PM

Congratulations, and may you live happily ever after, in every good sense of that phrase.

Iowa Jim

Posted by: Chip Skelton at May 26, 2005 07:05 PM

Congratulations. May you have many, many more.

Chip

Posted by: BrakYeller at May 26, 2005 07:47 PM

Best wishes on this happy day. I hope you and yours enjoy what you have for many, many years to come.

Posted by: J. Alexander at May 26, 2005 07:54 PM

Peter:

This news makes me feel old. It was just yesterday that I recall you told us in CBG the story of how you proposed.

Congradulations

Posted by: Richard Perez at May 26, 2005 07:58 PM

Happy Anniversary to the both of you.

Posted by: Jay at May 26, 2005 08:36 PM

Congratulations on your anniversary PAD and Kathleen.

Posted by: Deano at May 26, 2005 08:40 PM

Congratulations Peter!Hope you guys have many more years together.gives me hope in finding my own partner someday

Posted by: David S. at May 26, 2005 08:50 PM

I'm sure you're tired of reading this, but

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

You STILL haven't clarified whether your best man was the one and only.....Harlan Ellison!

I would love to have been a fly on the reception wall and heard his traditional Best Man's congratulatory speech! Maybe a written transcript could be obtained somewhere....?

Posted by: Michael D. at May 26, 2005 09:39 PM

Look dammit, I'm a fanboy on the internet; I have no interest in happiness or love.

*sigh*

Happy Anniversary anyway.

Posted by: Adam M. Sorkin at May 26, 2005 09:44 PM

Congrats on 4 great years, PAD.

Posted by: Cezar at May 26, 2005 09:56 PM

Hi PAD! Enjoy the day 2gether!

Posted by: Dennis Donohoe at May 26, 2005 10:18 PM

PAD,

Way to go! Best wishes for many happy years ahead for you lovebirds (and Caroline).

Dennis

Posted by: Hollie at May 26, 2005 10:20 PM

I wish you blessed times. May you both enjoy every happiness.

Posted by: Sarashay at May 26, 2005 10:27 PM

Speaking as one of the bridesmaids, I can indeed confirm that the best man was the one-and-only Harlan Ellison.

I remember being so incredibly moved by the love evident between Peter and my sister that I cried my way through most of the wedding.

Happy Anniversary, Kathy and Peter.

Posted by: Jerome Maida at May 26, 2005 10:41 PM

appy Anniversary, PAD and Kathleen!

Posted by: Nick at May 26, 2005 10:48 PM

PAD SAID:
"It's got an edible menu? Wow. Maybe we should check it out..."

To clarify, If you should go to Maroni's, you can chose what you would like from a menu or you can let the owner/chef Michael feed you (i.e., the tasting menu). You will get about 8 - 10 courses that will be gastronomically decadent! And the desserts too will amaze! I have eaten there 3 times in the last year and have walked away each time more impressed then the times before.

Nick

Posted by: gene hall at May 27, 2005 12:33 AM

And to think this is guy who gave us Londo Mollari's three wives...
Congratulations.

Posted by: Josh Bales at May 27, 2005 01:24 AM

Congratulations, Peter. I hope you have many more. Happy anniversaries, that is. Not weddings. That would just be strange to wish someone.

JAB

Posted by: Rex Hondo at May 27, 2005 01:25 AM

There's no truer love than geek love. ;)

Happy anniversary, and continued blessings for the years to come!

-Rex Hondo-

Posted by: Joe V. at May 27, 2005 01:43 AM

i'm about to celebrate my 10th Peter. Congratulations and many more.

Joe V.

Posted by: Howard Margolin at May 27, 2005 02:03 AM

Congratulations/Mazel Tov Kathleen and Peter, and, as always, the best of all possible Destinies to you and yours.

Posted by: Mike M. at May 27, 2005 02:19 AM

On your anniversary, I just want to share a story that I've shared before. Peter David is responsible for me meeting my current wife. When I got hooked on comics, my favorite writer was PAD (X-Factor and Hulk). In high school, there was this beautiful girl, I still say she is way out of my league.

I couldn't got up the nerve to talk to her, until one day I noticed she was reading a Star Trek book. THIS GIRL WAS A GEEK, TOO! I was even more shocked to discover the book in question was Q-Squared, of course written by our wonderful host. This broke the ice between us, and nine years later, we're married and very happy. So enjoy your special day PAD, and thank you for making April 3 my special day :)

Posted by: gvalley at May 27, 2005 03:35 AM

That brought a tear to my eye. Happy anniversary!

Posted by: Bob Jones at May 27, 2005 06:44 AM

So they lov’d as love in twain
Had the essence but in one;
Two distinct, divisions none…
-- William Shakespeare

Posted by: The StarWolf at May 27, 2005 06:47 AM

Omedetou gozaimase! [Congratulations]

Posted by: Terry Zabel at May 27, 2005 08:32 AM

Best Wishes & Congratulations to you both! My lovely wife & I just celebrated our 7th Anniversary last month. May you 2 have many happy years together!

Posted by: Rat at May 27, 2005 09:21 AM

I remember the sight of Stace walking down the aisle, kinda being held up by her mom and stepfather (she's kind of a klutz) and thinking that I was the luckiest Celt around.
Five years later, I think the same thing.

Peter, Kathleen, I'm glad it's the same for you guys.
You deserve it.

Posted by: Max at May 27, 2005 01:12 PM

Happy Anniversary!

Max & Jenny

Posted by: Michael J Norton at May 27, 2005 02:40 PM

Congratulations to you both! Now, can you email your post to Bush and mention that your marriage survived the year of gay marriage in Mass? Just a thought.

Again, all the best!

Michael J Norton

Posted by: David S. at May 27, 2005 08:04 PM

Thank you, Sarashay, for clarifying that Harlan Ellison was best man at his wedding. My second question still stands. Harlan has been known to publish his most noteworthy and, in some cases, notorious speeches in collections like "The Harlan Ellison Hornbook" and "Sleepless Nights in the Procrustean Bed." I was wondering if his Best Man's speech at Peter & Kathleen's wedding reception was (or will be) published anywhere that his fans can access? I've been a fan of Harlan's and Peter's for many years and I think that if people know where to find this rare treat, it would sell like hotcakes!

Posted by: Jason Schulman at May 28, 2005 03:20 PM

There's nothing in HULK #81 that comes out and says "Al Queda destroyed the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 and that's what allowed Nightmare to create the island." It's strongly _implied_ but not explicitly stated. That would've required actually saying "9/11," "Al Queda," etc. That's why I'm willing to let it slide, because in a New York City with the Avengers, the FF, etc., the WTC destruction would not have taken place.

I enjoyed the story. It's nice to have PAD back writing Hulk stories. I did figure out that Nightmare was the villain early on (that one panel with the hand with long fingernails did it) though I forgot that he rides a dark horse.

Great art by Weeks and Palmer.

I am a bit put off by Banner being shown to have been so mentally disturbed in high school. It doesn't entirely jibe with earlier stories -- we've never seen a scene where Banner thinks "The Hulk? They're calling the monster 'the Hulk'? That was the name of the monster that taunted me!" or anything like that.

Posted by: Jason Schulman at May 28, 2005 03:21 PM

Whoooops. Wrong thread. Sorry. Anyway, congrats on the anniversary!

Posted by: David K. M. Klaus at May 28, 2005 07:44 PM

A belated Happy Anniversary to you both.

May you live as long as you love and love as long as you live.

Posted by: Jonathan (the other one) at May 28, 2005 08:26 PM

"I remember the sight of Stace walking down the aisle, kinda being held up by her mom and stepfather (she's kind of a klutz) and thinking that I was the luckiest Celt around.
Five years later, I think the same thing."

And you're wrong, Rat. I'm the luckiest Celt around, as anyone who's met TuathaSoma can attest...

Congratulations, Peter! And congratulations or condolences, whichever would be more appropriate, Kathleen!

Posted by: Michael Cravens at May 29, 2005 07:40 AM

I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to say this earlier:

Happy Anniversary, Peter and Kathleen. Both of you seem genuinely happy, and I envy that.

Congratulations on finding love! :-D

Posted by: Jim O'Shea at May 30, 2005 08:28 AM

Happy Anniversary!! };o)

Posted by: rich kolker at May 31, 2005 02:20 PM

Four years!

Time flies!

All the best, but it looks like you already have it.

++rich