On Nonas 14th Birthday 2014-06-22
Nona we are in Alanya Turkey today -- but I still want to remind you how much we love you .. and how proud of you we are, whereever you are, or wherever we may be. I guess that is what parents are for isn't it?
We have had 4 daughters previous to you so we have somewhat of an understanding as to some of the issues, developments -- worries and frustrations of girls in their early teens. It is a wonderful chapter of life where you begin to develop your own opinions and personal values quite indepent from us as your parents -This is of course a natural part of the process of maturity and we are glad for it .. But we have learned that this isn't without its frictions and without its conflicts –especially with us as your parents.
I have been reading a book on the beach these days .. the title is 'Willfull Blindness' and the main message of this book is that most of the bad decisions in life – on every level – are not made because of a lack of information, and not made because of a lack of capacity to make good decisions – but because of an inbred weakenss in the human mind to disregard and ignore the facts before us that seem incompatible with our private agenda for the day.
Why am I telling you this on your 14th birthday Nona? I just want you to remember that in the next years, when you are angry with us, as our opinions may seem in conflict with yours, and you find it impossible to understand our reasoning .. Remember that at the bottom of it, all that we do as we do, and all that we say that we say, it is with a very genuine love and wish for your well being. Never disregard this fact Nona .. it will ease the pain in the issues that may seem to separate us.
We may be wrong in our judgments at times .. but I hope that you will never disregard the significant fact in your thinking, that as our daughter you have a very special place in our hearts and that our only wishes for you, are for your long term happiness and fullfillment.
Have a very happy birthday Nona.
From your mom and from your dad