As you turn 15 this week. Al cumplir 15 esta semana

Querida hija: esta semana cumpliras 15 y por primera vez no estaras con nosotros. Pero sera por algo bueno y no malo, ya que estaras en un retiro religioso, con tus amigos de GOYA (Greek Orthodox Young American). Pero es la primera vez que pasaremos un dia de tu cumpleaños sin tu presencia fisica… Solo tres personas en tu vida han podido mantener esta cadena de 14 años, (tu madre, hermana y tu padre) el poder amanecer el dia de tu cumpleaños juntos. Y por eso te escribimos hoy.

Te dedicamos estas lineas para que en tu viaje por carretera por mas de 16 horas, nos tengas presentes.  Y aun mas el dia 24, que es la fecha de tu nacimiento sientas nuestra presencia. Aca tu madre sufre y se alegra de esta dicha que al saber que aunque no estara a tu lado, es por una causa mayor: estar en un retiro espiritual. Yo por mi parte que muchas veces me he tenido que separarme de ti por trabajo y/o  viajes de negocios, se me hace mas llevadero, pero no déjà de ser una pena no poder darte el beso  de todas las mañanas.. Tu hermana quien siempre ha hecho un punto estar a tu lado tambien te manda recuerdo desde su nuevo hogar en Carolina del Norte.

Este verano en que cumples tus primeros 15 años de vida, ha sido maravilloso, el viaje a Grecia, tus amigos y amigas  y ahora esperamos que regreses con mas fervor y espiritualidad de este retiro. Cada dia añoraremos el Orthos  y Vespers junto al lago, piensa que estaremos contigo en cada cosa que hagas durante esta semana  y te ayudara a fortalecer tu fe,  tu bondad y amor a Dios.

Feliz cumpleaños hija mia………….    Papa, Mama y tu hermana desde la distancia

Dear daughter: this week you will turn 15, and for the first time you will not be with us. But it will be for a good reason, since you'll be in a religious retreat, with GOYA (Greek Orthodox Young American) friends. But still it is the first time that we will spend your birthday without your physical presence. Only three people in your life have been able to maintain this chain of 14 years (your mother, sister and your father) to wake up the morning of the day of your birthday together. And that's why we write to you today.

We dedicate these lines to you, today, as you spend more than 16 hours on the road so you can feel our presence.  And even more, on the 24^th, which is the date of your birth so you can feel our presence. Your mother suffers on one hand but is glad on the other, knowing that although she will not be by your side, it is for a  greater cause: (participating in a spiritual retreat).

I for my part have had to spend many days away from you, due to work and business trips. So for me it ismore bearable, this trip.  But still will miss not being able to give you the morning kiss... Your sister, who has always made a point to be on your side, also sends you her best from her new home in North Carolina.

This summer, as we celebrate your first 15 years of life, we hope it has been wonderful; the trip to Greece, your friends and now this retreat which we hope you come back with more fervor and spirituality. Every day we will wish to be with you on the lake shore as you go to your Orthos and Vespers as you watch the sun come up and descend on the lake shore. So think of us, as we will be there with you doing everything you do during this week and we will help you as you strengthen your faith, your kindness and love to God.

Happy birthday my daughter... Papa, Mama, and your sister from a distance