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My wife Lori and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary today. We were in first grade together but traveled in different circles throughout our school years. I graduated law school and went off to a Wall Street law firm. My wife graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, moved to LA and pursued a career in acting and then singing. Our first date was in April of 1984, and we were married four months later. We raised three wonderful sons, each of whom has grown to be an exceptional young man. Our home was always Long Island, but we lived in both London and Hong Kong each for more than five years.\ \ The black and white photo of my wife has been on my desk each day during our 40-year marriage. It has been a reminder to me that if I had a tough or even painful day at work, I had someone in my life who always had my back, was my biggest supporter and loved me unconditionally. I also knew I had someone to share the good stuff with and with whom I could celebrate the accomplishments and good fortune. Of course, from time to time we had disagreements --how could you not in a marriage lasting four decades. But my wife never wavered in her support and her commitment to me and our family.\ \ Eighteen years ago, my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It has been a tough road to travel for my wife who previously was active and vibrant, twice enthusiastically moved to foreign cities in support of my career, loved traveling and thought nothing of picking up and flying off to Vietnam on her own. The loss of strength and independence has been extremely painful. But now is my opportunity to support my wife through the most challenging times of her life. I am committed to do so without reservation. Forty years ago, we took a vow to be there for each other for the entirety of our lives. That pledge has never been broken and will remain strong as we both live the closing chapters of our story.