Bea,

Do you know why I went to Paris?  I did not have to.  I could have saved the money or just spend a few more days in Ireland or Scotland.

I went to Paris so I would be able to show it to YOU someday.  And all the while I was there, as I was eating in the sidewalk cafes and riding the tour buses, you felt so near to me.  You would have loved Paris.  I confess, it’s a bit dirtier than London.  The people are not as friendly.  But the art and the shopping and the Eiffel Tower – wow!  I fell in love with the Eiffel Tower.  You know, they almost tore it down several times.  Parisians call it ” the Iron Lady.”  Just goes to show you that things are not always what they seem.  People can threaten to destroy something.  But it doesn’t have to happen.

You were in such a hurry to grow up a few years ago.  I saw you “driving” in the back seat of my car.  It isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, is it.  But your heart is getting stronger everyday.

Just keep working hard, keep being dedicated to your studies.  Keep repeating all the good stuff you do: reading, writing, working out, drinking good for you stuff.  And remember, I love you all the way to the Eiffel Tower and back again ( forty billion times over).  Xxoo