A Series of Fortunate Events
Dear Jona,

I can remember the anxiety that I felt when we found out that Dawn was going to bring you to our house to meet the “future in-laws.” – That would be Jeff and me.  Of course this was a few years back, before you and Dawn were engaged.  I just kept thinking, “Who is this guy who got caught skinny-dippin’ with our daughter at the condo complex up in Long Beach?”  Because of that shocking phone call we received from the resident manager at Stoney Brook informing us of this infraction, Jeff and I thought for sure that you would NOT be the kind of young man that we’d like to be dating our daughter.  We couldn’t have been more wrong! 

After the initial awkwardness of the introductions and soon getting to know you better, we could see what Dawn saw in you – a truly amazing person with a warm personality and irresistible charm.  You brought so much joy into our lives Jona.  We will miss you very much.

Until I met you Jona, I didn’t think it was possible that I could ever learn so much from someone that much younger than I.  Talk about a valuable lesson; that is exactly what I learned from you. Being a somewhat protective mom, okay, and maybe even a little bit over-bearing, I thought that I had a better idea of what was best for Dawn and you.  It was difficult for me to suppress my desire to share all those motherly suggestions and recommendations with you.

Dawn knows how I am, being a teacher and feeling the need to lecture and have control and discipline in any given situation . . . . Fortunately, I was able to “Let it Be” and keep my mouth shut (some of the time), and I am glad that I did, as I saw your plans with Dawn materializing and working out so beautifully.  You must know how happy you made Dawn.  For that, and so much more, we will always be thankful to you Jona.

When I was driving home from Long Beach recently, leaving Dawn’s condo, I was reminded of you when I thought of The Beatles’ song Let it Be.  You know, the words of the song seemed so appropriate:

“Let it Be”

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.


And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,

Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom,
let it be.

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.

For though they may be parted
there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,

Let it be, let it be,
Yeah, there will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Yeah, let it be, let it be,
Let it be, yeah, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom,
let it be.

–The Beatles  (Lennon/McCartney)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBPFvp750sc

Peace be with you, Jona!
Sayonara – Until we meet again,

Maureen Kleinfelter / “Mo”