From: "G. Monte Kirsch" <monte@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Did you say: 3 minutes
Date: Fri, July 8, 2005 6:05 pm
To: eriko@xxxxxx.xxx

Hi Eriko,

Well, here it is. I hope these few words will be alright...I have little experience writing something such as this.

Each number represents 30 seconds of reading.

Tell me Eriko: What things should I say for a closing?

And....what does BGM mean?

Anything else I can do for you Eriko, you name it! I am at your service.

Monte

I have been asked to write a letter to you Nick, in regards to getting married to a wonderful Japanese lady. I would also like to review a few happenings during your childhood days that, perhaps, have helped make you the fine gentleman you are today; the gentle man whom this beautiful Japanese lady has chosen to be her loving man.

1.)

When you were 2 years of age Nick, you developed your own language. It was nothing that resembled English but your consistency was amazing. Somewhere in our storage facility, we have a more complete record of your own words & their definitions. Here is just a small sample: "Tut-tut" = a pair of scissors. "Da-dot" = a light bulb or bright light. "A dea-dea" = to write on paper with pencil. Your language skills have certainly moved on from those crude beginnings, and still today, you continue to study and learn to speak another language: Japanese. I also know that Eriko is perfecting her English language skills.

Nick, being able to speak Japanese with your beautiful wife, Eriko, while, at the same time, she is able to speak English with you, will help both of you to work together and learn your respective country's customs, culture, history, etc. But most of all, your communications with each other will be richer, more understood, and more comfortable.

2.)

You were 8 years old when we purchased our 2nd home computer, a Compaq. Your sisters, Melissa & Katrina, were 3 & 4 years older than you & they began to play computer games on our powerful computer & do nothing else. When I insisted that "no games be played" on our computer & it should be used strictly for other practical means, both girls replied: "That's it dad!" "We are not interested in doing anything else on that computer." Shortly after that incident, I went out of town for a week on business & when I returned, our home computer was really "messed up" & would not follow any commands. Kathy informed me that you had been reading the computer manual & typing things. I had to call in a computer friend to get our computer working again. Without a doubt, this was the beginning of your interest in computers. Before that year was up, you knew more about our computer than the fellow who brought it back to working properly.

Getting an early start on a meaningful career has served you well. Little did you realize then, as you toyed with that early computer, how advanced your computer skills would become. Now, because of your computer position with a great company, you're caring wife Eriko will be living in a very nice condo in a stable and pleasant neighborhood, convenient to stores & bus service. You can support her in the lifestyle of which she is accustomed.

3.)

Do you remember the family meetings we used to have when trying to resolve any problems or disputes among you children? During this one particularly active family meeting, I was in the process of reprimanding Melissa & Katrina for something that I thought they were guilty of doing & they were claiming their innocence. Suddenly Nick, you shyly approached me & wanted to tell me something: I paused the meeting, took you over to a corner of the room where the family couldn't hear our conversation & this is what you said: "Dad, you know I support you in all that you do & say, but you are wrong about this thing Melissa & Katrina are supposed to have done!" "But....I will continue to support you if you want me to!" I asked you for more details & was truly touched with your explanation. Naturally it changed the outcome of our meeting and the girls were found "not guilty!" This, I believe was a good illustration of the depth of your genuine concern for honesty and fairness while still honoring your dad.

Now, Nick, you have taken a charming Japanese wife to love, honor, and obey as you enjoy life together. You have been practicing this genuine concern & honesty for others since you were a small boy, so hopefully it will be quite natural for you to continue this kindness & thoughtfulness toward your gracious Japanese lady.

4.)

Nick, about three years ago you took in a cat that was seriously spooked as a kitten and have patiently & lovingly groomed her as a pet. Now this cat, Bailey, will not only eat out of your hand, but also on occasion, sit with you at your computer desk at home & sometimes even sleep on your bed at night.

This clearly shows how acts of kindness, patience & caring will eventually win love. Now we all know that your greatly admired Eriko is, by no means, an animal of the 4 legged variety. But since you have already demonstrated kindness, patience & caring, it should be very natural & exciting to continue showing your love, patience, kindness & caring to your wonderful Japanese wife.

5.)

Nick, it's no secret that you love your Mommy dearly. You two have had a wonderful relationship for many years & there is no subject that you cannot debate or discuss. Mothers are very special & you have admired & treated your mother with, not only respect, but also warmth, love, and friendship. Happy times were shared whether playing catch; helping train a puppy together; patiently coaching her with learning the computer; seeking instructions and cooking together; or simply going for a long walk together. These are just samples of some of the little happenings along the way to adulthood that bond a mother and son.

May Eriko's mother be just as comfortable with you as a son-in-law, Nick, as your own mother is with Eriko being her daughter-in-law. You are a very lucky man, marrying into a family as nice as Eriko's.

6.)

Over the years since you left us for a college education in Seattle, there has been an obvious void in our family. We all missed you very much but then realized that you as well as the rest of our children had to go about living your own lives. And then....the times that you would come home for a visit: they were the best! Your quick wit & humor about life & living would keep us laughing & entertained for hours. Your masterful debating skills; often taking the position of the devil's advocate, just to encourage each of us to speak & expand our minds, was marvelous. Your thoughtfulness & generosity in helping out or doing favors for your family is often without reward or recognition. Your unique sense of humor has many times served to reduce family tension and gotten all of us laughing. We will all look forward to the times we can be together again with you & now with Eriko also.

7.)

"A proud father am I!" This is a short phrase I've used many times for you and your brother and sisters. This time, Nick, that phrase is particularly special for you. Your selection of Eriko as a wife has made a noticeable & remarkable, stabilizing, contented, peaceful, pleased, relaxing & comfortable change in you. It is obvious that your world has changed...for the better! And with an incredible wife like Eriko, it can only get even more fantastic!

I love you very, very, very, much.

Dad

This took a little longer than 3 1/2 minutes, dad. ;)