Dear Theerti

Dear Theerti,

Happy Birthday!!

I wanted to make sure you know that even though I will be on the other side of the world, I will still be thinking of you on your special day, the 15th of August. Unfortunately, I could not stay. I have some other business to take care of in the United States but I will always be thinking about my dear friend in India.

These past three weeks have been an extremely rewarding experience.  Each day from the moment we met I have looked forward to our epic games of chase and seeing your beautiful smile.  Although I don't think that being the catcher all the time was completely fair, I would never trade those moments with you for anything. You were so fast and ran for so long I often thought I would never catch you. We played so well that even the other kids wanted to get in on all the fun.  We made a great team as we worked together to catch the other kids and make the game fun and entertaining for all.

And remember that night when we watched "Meet the Robinsons" you wanted me to sit next to you but 5 other boys were already using me as their human mattress. It didn't stop you.  You took my arm and yanked and pulled me closer to you, somehow you managed to get me close enough to talk to you.  Along with that night, you made my days tutoring in the library so much more fun when you poked your head in between each class period just to say hello.

Finally, the nights you saw me pass your window as I was returning from family time and you whispered, "Ray, Ray," until you got my attention and I looked up to hear you say, "goodnight." Those nights created a perfect ending to a happy day.  These past three weeks you have become a cherished and wonderful friend to me, a best friend. I hope you will remember me in years to come, but more importantly I hope you understand that I will never forget you. I hope you continue to be a friendly, kind and determined woman.

With much love from your friend,

Uncle Ray