Nathalie ... It is
somewhat over simplified to explain my relationship with you as just
'married to your sister'-- To me it is much, much more, and you are
special to me .... I have known you since you were a little girl
just 7 years old (33 years ago) .. You have grown up with our
children ... you are not so much older than our oldest - Emma.
One of the privelages of parenthood is getting to watch the amazing
development as new life and complex personality unfolds before our
eyes in our children. It is an amazing process .. and without a doubt a miracle of
major proportions -- beautiful in every way'
Nathalie we feel we have had this wonderful privelage with you as
well -- We have watched as you have transformed from an
uncertain little girl ... to the wonderful and strong personality
that you
have become today .. Along the way we have shared your tears .. felt
your pain .. shared your laughter .. dreams .. aspirations .. and
happiness. It has been wonderful journey for us as well as for you.
Now you have become a
beautiful woman ... successfull in your career .. a loving mother
... established a wonderful family and beautiful home etc.
Wonderful!!! If I had been your dad, Nathalie, I would have
been very very proud!!
But I just want to
remind you that this is NOT why we love you ... Beauty .. career
sucess --- and evidence of prosperity make their biggest impression
on strangers .... Those that love you notice and value other
things ... things far more important in life -- and far less common
in our society. For instance .. personal kindness ..
thoughtfulness .. humility .. concern for others -- compassion ..
generosity etc etc.
These are gold
nuggets in relationship -- Our love and admiration for you Nathalie,
has its roots in these things -- and in many other beautiful
moral principles that we have noticed as we have shared our lives
together!!
Sometimes it seems that we need something more than words to express feeling
... I have found a song by an old man (same age as me) in Nashville
Tenesee that used music and song to express these things. I have
cliped a piece of a song that he sang ... suitable to you. Not many
words -- but with the heartbeat of the music, it seems
suitable today.
A clip from 'You've got Gold' by John Prine
(Another reason we love
you Nathalie, is all the 'Wheels turning inside of you' that he
sings about!!)
Edgar
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