Transcription
A.D. Dirkzwager
Keizersgracht 702,
1017 EV Amsterdam.
Mr andn mrs Stuart Cook,
"Lower Farm House" Hableon GU 8 4HE
Engeland,
Amsterdam, 11 December 2018.
Dear Ursula & Stuart,
The year 2018 is coming to an end. As usual, we look back on the past year to determine whether 2018 can go down in the books as a happy year or not. As for the latter, we can let those, who wished us a happy new year in December 2017, know that their wishes came true—despite the fact that Floris (our eldest son), a father of three daughters (aged 14, 13, and 10), informed us by phone in April that he and Else Marie had separated. For us, it was like a bolt from the blue.
Floris is not willing to share his reasons for the divorce with us. When you are 47, you are personally responsible for your life choices.
It is a relief to us that Floris and Else Marie are handling the divorce in a mature manner, so that their daughters do not have to choose between their mother and father.
The agreements were made in good faith—insofar as good faith can even exist in a divorce. Both parents want to limit the harm to their daughters.
On December 24th, we invited Reinoud (our second son), his wife Natasja, and their two young daughters (aged 4 and 6), as well as Floris and his daughters, to our canal-side home for lunch. Afterward, we took a boat trip through the canals to admire the light festival, which has since become an annual event.
Other topic
When you stayed with us, I felt embarrassed about our bathroom. That was the sign for me that a renovation was needed—and it has since been carried out.
The other day I read the quote of Henry Miller (1891-1980): "Confusion is a word we have invented for an order, which is not understood. Statements that not cannot either confirmed or disconfirmed by experience, create confusion." end of quote
It is striking that there is so much confusion in the world, except in 'kindergarten'.
We hope everything is going well with both of you, and with the sons and their families. Vera & Adriaan
