They are kind, caring, good hearted, ethical, loving presences in the lives of everyone who encounters them, and we have reaped the benefits! Whether in our work or in play, they are special, loving, appreciative presences in our lives. They are passionate, gifted, gift givers, committed to helping this world to attain its promise. They are committed to welcoming the stranger wherever they are, to building a village, to being patient and kind and wise and nourishing and, at times, joyful, at times, engaging the sadness of being in this world and weaving into deeper connection and wisdom. And they have gotten these qualities from our parenting, our love, our partnership, our modeling for them the journey of life. You bring patience, being kind hearted and loving, an attention to the careful details of giving, a desire to be giving at all times, even at your own expense, a special and unique wisdom about everything from beauty to the inner life of the soul, and an inclination to be quick to forgive, to decide in the other’s favor, to understand the other’s perspective, combined with an insistence on being the best possible person that each of us can be. And I love you and celebrate you for all this and much, much more. - Rabbi Gary S.