To Shelly, on her Birthday...January 7th

Dearest Shelly,
You've been my friend since the sixth grade.  You came over regularly and helped me with the dishes ~ both breakfast and dinner for seven people...just to make it faster for us to play together.

When I came to your house in those pre-teen days,  we played like two princesses with the world at our feet.
Your parents treated me (ten years old plus) as if I were an intelligent adult and those dinner table conversations (when I got to eat at your house) were lively and always stimulating compared to my other girlfriend/family experiences.  They were great!

You were already at Cambridge University when Sam and I came to Oxford.  You came back into my life and shared holidays and your experienced knowledge of the universities and  British culture with us...real ale and  more English lore. We were lucky to share those times with you... both good and bad.

During that time I was pregnant with Eva.  Before she was born, you gifted her with a sterling silver spoon, engraved with our uterine nickname,  "Nestle."  When later, the much used spoon was ravaged by the garbage disposal, you replaced it with a new one.

We were lucky when you moved back stateside ~ near enough to continue the relationship with ease.  You invited us over and feasted us with a deluxe dinner that would turn Alice Waters green.

I am still in awe.  You have never cooked less than a gourmet meal for us and I will never forget your Beef Wellington!

You have impressed me with you life, your appreciation and knowledge in so many arenas, I fail to mention them all...anthropology, archeology, architecture, art, botany, writing, cuisine, nature, Native American Culture, and more.

You've treated my children as if you were the very best doting Aunt in the world.  They adore you and respect you as a role model.  You've also given me the opportunity to know your children and to share their love during our family special occasions.

You stood by me in every way when my father and my mother died.  I will never forget that.  And since then I have considered you my esteemed sister. You are loving, giving, and beautiful.  Can't wait for our time in Paris.

Happy Birthday,

Sent with so much love,

Jan