It was 1896 when Richard (Dick) Byrd and Marie Ames met. They were 8-years-old; she was from Boston, MA., and he, from Winchester, VA. Even then, the future Admiral was a dreamer and risk-taker with a rascally personality and adventuresome spirit, reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.
Living with the unknown diagnosis of ADHD, Dick was described by his father for having "foolish and reckless deviltry," which led to many thrilling adventures including joining a posse in the Philippines at 13, earning his pilot license (despite the danger at the time) and becoming the first to fly over the north AND south pole, and surviving carbon monoxide poisoning under the ice in the Antarctic.
Marie's mother had opposed their marriage fearing Dick would meet his end sooner rather than later but exhibited more courage than one could imagine and proved that she was "his compass and anchor to windward." She managed to raise four children during the Depression Era, keeping them safe despite threats during the Lindbergh kidnappings. On top of her dedication to her family, she contributed much to Dick's success as well through her diligence in managing his trips and expeditions which led to three ticker-tape parades, over 100 medals, and more during their life.
Here, you will find two fascinating, strong-willed, and delightful people; their love and respect for each other enduring due to their acceptance of each other's strengths, weaknesses, and trust, as well as their delightful senses of humor, that saw them through thick and thin.