This letter was found a few days ago as my mom was cleaning out files. Simon had written it to my parents about six months after we married. We wanted to move to California to be closer to my family and start one of our own. They had also loaned us some money as a down payment for our car which we diligently paid back, hence the reason for the letter. I reread these words about 100 times. It’s unbelievable that Simon wrote it 10 years ago in great health yet it’s not surprising. He valued life the way we all should.

April 22, 2005.

Here is another payment on the car. I think we are down to $50 now. Please let me know if I am wrong. This past year has truly been a blessing. Not only did I marry the girl of my dreams but I also became a part of a family that has shown me and others around me nothing but love. I am often brought back to James 4 where I discover that I am nothing but a fog – here one minute and gone the next, striving to catch every bit of sun and life that I can. We are planning a move. If the Lord wills it, we will be there by September. Thank you for the love and support.

Simon

James 4:13-15 (MSG)
And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today-at the latest, tomorrow-we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”