30 Letters in 30 Days....Day Sixteen: someone not in my state or country...

Dear Jan, I want to be able to tell you that I love you as my father-in-law. I can see that you are very important to Alex and how you have influenced him in many ways. Ways he may not even realize. When we come to Sweden, I enjoy spending time with you so much. I love how openly frank you are in conversation! Sometimes, I have to admit, some of the things you say take me by surprise but they are always interesting. I like how you try to engage me in debate about how things are in the US compared to Sweden. Or how "these days" things are so much different or worse or better than "those days". I know it's hard for you. I think you are, by nature, a loner. I don't know if your other children understand that about you or, if they do, understand why you would be that way. Yet, when I have been with you I get the sense that deep down you do enjoy the company of others, just a level you can tolerate. I find you pleasant to be around and interesting to talk to and I always get the feeling that you feel the same way about me. I thank you for accepting me in your life. I know the age difference between Alex and me is something not everyone understands. But you have embraced me as your family and I love you for that. I worry about you. As you age and as your eyesight gets worse I know that you will want to stay in your apartment and be as independent as possible and that might not be possible. I often talk about moving there to care for you in your golden years or talking you into moving here to be with us. I know we'll have many more opportunities to talk, to laugh and to get to know each other even better. I look forward to it! I feel that Sweden is in my future. Living there is my dream. And to be near family would be wonderful. Please take care of yourself and know that you have a friend in me! With love, Mary