Open Letter

 Dear Love;

You would be pleased to know that Raquel is graduating from high school this summer. My contribution to this affair was simply to make sure that her dream of how her graduation celebration would unfold became a reality. Of course, I am not writing anything you do not already know, because your presence is always among us.

I bought her a navy-blue dress. Beautiful, celestial — the color of your eyes. She is an interesting person when it comes to choosing things, and as you have probably noticed, our daughter has become more like me: when she sees something she likes, she makes up her mind, and nothing can change her choice. I recall your style when making purchases was more malleable, but reactive and unambiguous, like sodium metal.

We bought her dress in New Westminster, on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon this past April. When we arrived at the store, I told Raquel to select the dress she liked and not to look at the price. My intention was to set her imagination free and negotiate later. The first dress she tried looked beautiful on her.
“Dad, this is the dress. I love it!” she said.
The dress did not need any significant alteration. She looked for and tried other dresses under the suggestion of the store attendant, who was surprised that in only a few minutes Raquel had made up her mind on such a significant item. We even visited other stores on Columbia Street, but it was all in vain.

After the fitting was done and the minor alterations noted by the house tailor, we went to Metrotown Mall to secure the shoes. We found what she wanted.

A few days later, when we returned to the store to pick up her dress, I bought her earrings and a necklace. She looked like a little queen ready to conquer her world.

While all this was unfolding in British Columbia, our oldest daughter finally managed to take her long-awaited European vacation. She visited all of Europe, and you are not going to believe this: her favorite place was Hungary. She liked many other places as well — in particular, the south of France, Spain, and Italy.

“Dad, you would love it here!” she used to tell me regularly.

She had a blast.

I supported them all I could, traveling extra miles — as you well know — to help them succeed in their endeavors.

Today we had a great day. In the morning, I prepared one of our Saturday morning breakfast specials: Belgian waffles accompanied by homemade sweet fruit sauce, our very own strawberries from your garden, topped with freshly whipped cream, and nice hot coffee. We shared a lovely time together, and I could picture you sitting right across from me, on the other side of the table, looking at us and smiling.

The day continued to have beautiful colors. In the early afternoon, we went to John Tedder’s house for a gender reveal party — Kevin and Sidney are going to be parents.

The place was buzzing with people from all families. The Tweens were there, Mrs. Tedder, your mom, Sandra, Sarah, Madison, and Brook were also there. Sidney has a big family — all very nice people. I spent a great time socializing with everyone and had very animated conversations with the Tweens and with John. It was very pleasant. You were remembered by the Tedders, and they had sincere, kind words. I thanked them.

After the big reunion, I took the girls and your mom to one of your favorite places: Fort Langley. At the town, we enjoyed refreshments and visited different stores, and before we ended the visit, your mom bought the girls treats from the candy store. Grandma offered to get me something, but I heard your voice in my ear — “You do not need that!” — so I politely declined.

I will go to sleep now. I am tired, and it is well past midnight.

Missing you with every cell,

XOXOXO