Saturday, March 22, 2003
To Tom, Venetia, Jackie & Stacy: What can I say that you won't hear so many times in the next few days? What could I say in the way of a comforting thought? I truly don't know. But I do know a few things I'd like to tell you. First, to the "girls" as Eleanor calls you. I remember you as children...three of the prettiest children that any parents could ask for. I would hardly know you now that so many years have past, but I am certain that each of you retain the spirit that your Mother had. A tenacious way of living that is so rare and so wonderful. I am also certain that you passed that spirit on to your children and they will, in turn, pass it on to theirs. How lucky the world has been to have had you Mother in it.
To Tom: How lucky you have been to have been loved by a woman like Bobbie. When I think of the two of you together, the one word that comes to me is strength. The two of you epitomize what a strong relationship looks like. If there were a way to capture that strength and bottle it, the demand would be overwhelming.
From the time I was a little boy, I have envied you. Of course, I never told you and I hesitate to tell you now... but there has always been just a little corner of my heart reserved for my "Sister." As kids, she was just the girl next door, and as grown-ups she was always your wife. But I loved her anyway. I loved her for the devotion she displayed toward her family... and I loved her for the strength of character she had...and I loved her ability to be forthright without being condescending. I always felt like she understood me and cared about my feelings. In our extended family, no one exhibited more understanding than your wife. For all of that, I envied you.
Now I have to stop writing and shed a tear or two. But my tears are selfish ones... because I won't be able to share any more Earthly moments with Bobbie and enjoy her wit or even a cup of coffee.
I can only imagine how many tears you are shedding this day. Since I can't be with you, shed just one tear for me and know how much I care.
Your "Brother-In-Law"
Jim Valkenburg</b></font><br><br>
