David Michael Scholten

Nine years. This is the year I fell in love; with myself, with another, with this beautiful life. This is the year Beaton's found its breath and came alive in the world. We're still healing the world, Dave. And I know you are by my side. I love you.

8 years today, David. How I love and miss you every day. But this year I learned that joy can share space in my heart with the missing. This year I began to fall in love with this human experience. Today I package my joy and love up, and send it to the sky, through earth's atmosphere, a quick sojourn amongst the stars, planets, and galaxies, and up further where it will find you, embrace you, and cause you to radiate even brighter. Brighter than the stars. I love you, my angel.

David, this life that I lead is my love letter to you. That you would see the wounded well, through my eyes. That you would see the edges of darkness seep away, into the corners of the earth, as the light of day grows radiant before you. And you would know, and give thanks, that you have one more day to serve the broken, and be blessed, oh so blessed. I love you and I carry your torch in the world. Happy birthday.

July 28, 2022. Tonight, after a Congressional vote failed on medical care for veterans affected by 'hot pits', I reminded Martha how often David M. Scholten worried about homeless veterans, wondering if Tiny Houses could help. Minutes later came an email from Jennifer noting that it's 7 years since Dave passed away. Here are a couple pix from a Riders.org Africa fundraiser we attended on Seattle's Elliot Bay, March 18, 2009. Seattle grain elevators & maybe Darigold cooperative HQ are on...

Love of my life. Seven years gone and yet you remain my everyday muse. I continue to work toward accomplishing our dreams, to honor you and your legacy of love and compassion in the world. My guiding light, my angel. Today I love you as every day since and every day to come.

6 years. Of knowing what it feels like to live in a world without you. I feel you watching over me at night from the stars, laughing at my ridiculous jokes, holding my pain when it feels too big. I really am the luckiest girl. Miss you, Dave.

David - (15 Jan 2021) Last night I told Martha, how you should be here to discuss the Covid-19 outbreak around Lynden, Washington & Capitol insurrection in the other Washington. Thanks for your cool head & humour, in medical garb or camou. Miss you, but Jeremiah & the rest o' us keep you in spirit. Peace-Health, brother!

Today I celebrate your birthday with a little more joy in my heart, and much more peace. I'm filled with gratitude. To have known and loved you: greatest honor and blessing of my life.

5 years. I'm finally beginning to understand why you had to go. Today I sit with profound gratitude for the ways that your love and loss has changed me. Thank you, David, for being my teacher, my love, my friend.