My Dear Friends

Rudy,

My family with Rudy & Yvette Dec 05 Christmas Dinner

Rudy... You are truly remarkable in your qualities!

For being inspiring in your thoughts and wisdom.

For being caring in your heart to me, Charlie and kids .

For going out there into the world and really setting an example of the word " traveler" stands for... for seeing the world and I mean the entire world like no one else has.

For all those times when I never could have managed without a friend like you. For being such a constant in my life amidst all the changes (you know what I mean).

For being the one I feel always close to whether we care close or 1000 miles apart. For being an example of what a husband... should be.

And although you are sometimes bit stubborn and set in you ways, (I've never seen that side, it's just that according to Yvette, your beautiful wife and what she said must be)

claims that for over 40 years you brought her flowers every single week.

You have taken your wife around the world and back several times.

You bought her every peace of jewelry she ever wanted.

That defines you as "a husband of all husbands".

For being my definition of a "special friend"... and for all the times I never told you before.

Becky, They say "there are no accidents."

Was I meant to move next door and be your neighbor?

Or perhaps crossing paths was inevitable for us and

we would have met at another place?

Who would have ever thought that I could find my best friend

right next door! Our friendship means a lot to me!

I admire you in so many things, but most of all what I love

about you is the kindness and love you give to all those around you.

I love the way you are with your family.

Your laughter and sense of humor, as you light up the room.

You try to make everyone happy.

Your fun and statements are always dignified.

You are exceptionally smart woman.

You write better than anyone else I know.

You have shown me how beautiful a human being can really be!

Over the years you were there for me in so many ways. My daughter calls you " My Other Mom".

My father thinks you are one of the nicest people he ever met.

Thanks for making so much effort in communicating with him, as he hardly speaks

English. You have prepared more meals for my family (from soup to nuts) than anyone else has,

I'm talking here five course home made meals

that were delicious ... and you never forgot bread or salad.

You were there when I was sick. I love your kindness, as I've seen you over the years be as kind to others.

You cook, garden, clean, nurture, pray, work, volunteering in church. You make sure that everyone's birthday is celebrated.

You never forget anything! Through it all you look like a movie star.

I'm glad that our daughters are such great friends too.

I know when someone special touches my life - My life was touched the day that I met you!

Eddie,

Congradulations! I wish you much love and peace as you make your new life with your new move, wife and baby on the way in Lima Peru!

Although I miss you my friend and secretly I say "What the heck were you thinking? You trader. How could you do that?" I say it because - I miss you. But, I'm happy you've found the love of your life and that you'll be father again.

When we first met, I did not think much of our friendship, but then you revealed an extraordinary friendship.

We've discussed so openly many aspects of our lives including many differences.

We've given one another the freedom to talk about everything.

We have a freedom to be who we are and grow to be ourselves.

You've become the person that I count on. You are there when you say you would be.

You've been the ray of hope and my source of laughter when I wanted to cry.

You are always there when times are tough. You love for your daughter shows

in so many ways. These are just a few of the reasons our friendship means so much to me.

Misha & Nena,

My life was touched the day that I met you 25 years ago in a very special way.. Since then, we've shared

lots of celebrations, laughter, happiness and tears.

You are an amazing mother, wife, business woman,

and investor. You cook and bake better than anyone else I know!

You are the Only * lady I know who always looks ready to go dancing or for a high class social affair. You manage to look classy when you go jogging and to your garden. We share so much even joy in fast driving!

Misha, We were friends first, before I met Nena, I met you. You are a wonderful father, husband and business man.

Your marriage of 30 plus years is an example of what love stands for. Ohhhh well- our ideas for Danny and Sandy's engagement was not in Gods plan. However, your son Danny is like a member of my family! He is my sons best friend and we all love him. I'm proud of all that you two have accomplished and I'm proud to have you as my friend. Thank you for always being there for me.

Jimmy, I truly do not remember when and how we became friends?

But it feels like forever in my heart.

We discovered early that distances don't matter because

what's important is the opportunity to share.

In the heart of friendship, we find ourselves connected to an endless source of understanding from someone

who will listen and be there with support.

My hope is that one day we get to spend more time.

And I promise to stop giving everyone that is about to

visits New Orleans your telephone number.

Your encouragements mean a lot to me. Your thoughtful gifts, in particular all the wonderful

foods you've sent from New Orleans are so thoughtful and appreciated. And I know you've doubted my gardening skills... but one of these birthdays you will come up to see the berries. Thanks you for being my friend.

It is with the greatest sadness.... that we must inform you that my beloved friend and spiritual director Father James Moyna passed away on December 02, 2005 at 2:30 am. Father Moyna passed with the same grace and peace he brought to so many of our lives. Father Moyna was one truly a blessing to my family and all of those he encountered. We have been so blessed to witness his commitment to God, his steadfast faith, his love for all he encountered, his honesty,

his smile and laughter, and his beautiful songs. It is with our deepest gratitude that we were able to bask in the warmth of Christ’s love which radiated from with in him.

Fr. Moyna, I have another advantage you are watching over me from heaven. Now you know for sure how loved you are by so many! I will never forget, the laughter, your advise and knowledge in so many areas: philosophy, art, film and travels. Wht a great singer you've been especially Ave Maria! I love when you laughed. I like how your hugs words of love and your humble ways of laughing at yourself. I've might have initially become your friend to seek spirituality, wisdom and inspiration, but what I have found is the magic of humanity, truth and such strong friendship. When I seen you come through my office doors it was like the sun shine coming through. I loved your ability to laugh at your own shortcomings I love the wholehearted truth that you are not afraid to say.. My kids adored you! They wanted you to be the one to celebrate their marriages and their kids marriages....but you will just from another place. You know that Charlie met you before he even met me I feel that you are our angel, and that you brought him to me. And I also feel that my marriage, home and life in general is so blessed because you've been the one who blessed it. What an incredible gift you have been to my life. Thank you.

Ketta,

You know when someone special comes into your life.....

They always know just the right thing to say and do, without really trying, it just comes out naturally.

They make you feel better just by being near. They listen with understanding and without judging..

They laugh when you are happy. That is who you are! You are one special, beautiful, creative lady

and I feel blessed that our paths have crossed. Although we work together, and something may

happen where you will pursue another venture I sure do hope that we stay friends for a long, long time...

as I could not imagine my life without your laughter, your open -big heart, thoughtfulness in all that you do

and most of all your foccachia.
Ketta's thoughts:
1-Each woman should know she can give herself permission to change her mind at any time
2-This is your life, and no one knows how to live it better thank you. Trust your instincts, and you'll be just fine.
3- I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.
4- In the face of such uncertainty, believe in these two things-You are stronger that you think, and you are not alone

Natasa,

Congradulations!

We are all so happy with the news of baby on the way. We cannot wait for early April!

It's been 4 years now, since you came so

suddenly into my life!

And for that, I'm, as well as my entire family,

very happy!

What I love about you is that you are the type of person

that is so in love with life,

and all the things that life has to offer.

You notice sunsets, flowers and rainbows...

you see it all in very vibrant colors,

where others may see it Only * in black and white.

You are not afraid, of making mistakes and being human,

you are not afraid of people, of life, of tomorrows will bring,

of hard work or what ever God throws your way!

You are bit Milanka-ish and remind me of me!

But make no mistake, and I know it,

you are a lot younger- better- taller-skinnier- prettier. You are amazing! I wish for you all the happiness that you so deserve,

as well as wonderful things that make

you happy! You deserve the best.

This photo was taken Thanksgiving 05, with 20 other people at the table guess what position Rudy took? Look on your right. My

dog loves you that is for sure!!!

Jennifer

The first thing that people think when they see you is how beautiful you are! The first think I think of is how loyal and special friend you are to me. In the heart of our friendship I have found in you unconditional love.

In the very beginning we discovered that our differences did not matter, as we found ourselves connected to an endless source of understanding. I found in you someone who will listen and be there for me. I found that it did not matter if the skies above us

were blue or gray as long as we knew that we can count on one another to be there. We traveled to distant places. We went to some local places too. We went to Church together and on the same day we went to a local place for some music and drinks. How many friends do that? I miss you my friend .. but then I think how wonderfully happy you are now. You married the man of your dreams Stan and you had the most beautiful son Max.

I'm so proud of you. I wish you a life filled with rainbows and butterflies ! Thanks for being my friend!

Veronica, (photo with family Ivana, Ana, Milan and Veronica (left to right))

We first met 27 years ago while working for JAT . Distances always played big part in our friendship.

27 years ago, when nobody knew about e-mails, we e-mailed each other.

The two of us started the concept of e-mail-ing, it's just that some people like Bill Gates followed

through on our idea. We did it through PNR's. Remember? Your husband Milan was working in Canada.

Soon after you joined him. From there, you moved to Atlanta where you've lived ever since.

You are an amazing- gentle-beautiful-loving -woman. In all of my crazy driving days none were

as embarrassing as when I slashed all your tires. You simply said: "don't' worry about it"

I think we all have great kids and God knows I cannot stop talking about mine as I'm so proud of them...

but I don't know any mother can brag enough about her children the way you can.

Your daughters were gifted with beauty and with smart genes, like not too many are. I remember how beautiful and smart they were growing up, but you insisted that they learn how to knit...and that is what makes me love you so much. If one is giving mother awards I'll make sure to put in your name!

Now days you enjoy your life with your loving husband as you travel the world and I know that

the most amazing thing about our friendship will continue which is,

no matter when our paths cross again, we will just pick up where ever if was that we left off.

fr l to r Angela, Eva, Billy...Nadine, Susan, Charlie...Feli, Milanka, Msgr O' Brien & Penny

The longer I live, the more I realize the great impact my friends have had on my life

I am really happy to have the kind of friendships that are real and trusting. It does my soul good to know that I'm going to be here for you and you for me. I don't know if I could completely describe how important friendship is to me, it is part of all that is good in my world. I may have dreams that will never come true, travels I may never take, goals I may not be able to reach, and hopes that may be just beyond my horizons... but I will always feel lucky to have a friend -in you!

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I'm sure as most do prefer that it’s good to be with friends when they are just plain happy, as no one likes to be around a grouch!

Doing "the happy things" with someone else always doubles the fun! Laugh it up - have a good giggle - it improves our looks.