I really am very fond of you, Jen, and hopefully you already knew that. But you may not know exactly why, and I think I have pinpointed it: it's your warmth, your kindness, your patience with children (young and old!), and your ability to make me feel like a welcome, old friend whenever we are together.

On this, the 40th anniversary of your birth, may you reflect on warm memories of loved ones in happy scenes, and may your next 40 bring you all the joy and happiness you have so richly earned. My regret is that I will not be there to share in the moment, but I will look forward to our next visit and opportunity to celebrate all that is Jen.

With love, plus a smattering of diet coke and warm cakes-
Tom