.064 David Hovey
David has been in my life for just over one year, and goodness do I wish he was around sooner. His maturity, his innate supportive and compassion personality, and his smart, forward-thinking brain have brought me so much joy and comfort over this last year. In fact, if you open the dictionary to the word "caring,” you’re going to find his face, infectious smile and all.
We met when I started working at The Center and I immediately sensed a relaxing and disarming presence with him. Any question I had was met with a kind approach and clear response, all while making me feel completely normal for being so inquisitive. He is a true leader, always looking out for those around him before thinking of himself. His thoughtfulness and unbelievable dedication are such crucial assets to the team, and I know everyone he works with would agree with me and likely add more compliments to the pile. As colleague, he simply makes the day better just by being there, and his intelligence and kindness are always appreciated and valued. I looked to him often for advice and direction and he never failed to help and support in whatever way he could.
As a friend, David has proven to be all of the above and more. He really, truly cares deeply about those in his life and shows it constantly through sincere check-ins and, when life was relatively normal, that David-esque look he’d give you if you said' “everything is fine.” What stands out most to me over the last year is David’s acute skill in listening. He listens with intent, never interrupting, and genuinely wants to carry out the conversation. He’s hopeful, he’s positive, and he sees the best in people. He’s a joy to be around and I’m fortunate beyond belief to have met him, worked with him, and still call him my friend.
David, thank you for always bringing a smile and laugh to my face. Thank you for your unconditional compassion and for making me feel cared for and loved. Thank you for our wonderful site visit drive when we listened to SIX, and for, of course, being a Sigrid fan. Thank you for your contagious smile and energy and for always knowing how to rally our team around a task or cause, no matter how bleak the world may seem. Thank you for entertaining (and only sometimes groaning at) my ridiculous jokes and impressions (Lolaaaa) and for encouraging me to keep the weirdness up. You’re the perfect example of what it means to be a friend and to respect and treat people for who they are. Thank you for being you.
-BD