Nadine,

dearest, dearest Nadine – you entered our lives, you exploded into our lives, in Kansas. With an irrepressible joy and positivity. You commanded Claire’s attention and gave her enormous gifts of patience and kindness for many years. You were her first babysitter in Kansas, and you put up with her childish games even as you taught her even more fun games to play.

I loved it when you moved into our house on Vermont Street. You were gone more than you were home, busy with other aspects of your life. I was always happy to see you and happy to think of you when you were busy seeing other people, hanging out with other friends. You became part of our family so easily, so smoothly, that it seems like you were always here, always a part of us. Your masters thesis, which explored emotional trauma through an analysis of autobiographies, taught me so much about the power of writing to deal with, if not to heal, the troubles we all encounter simply as part of being human. Your wisdom was always so exceptional.

I just returned to Columbus from a week in Japan. My first time there. While I was there, I thought often of our first trip to Germany. Shari had a short appointment at the Max Planck in Leipzig. You helped set up a visit for me to your university in Tübingen. Then we visited your parents’ house. They graciously opened their doors to us. We met your cousins and saw the flower shop. And Claire tied up your parents’ front room with colored string. Then you came with us to Leipzig and even accompanied Claire and myself to Frankfurt. You gave almost two weeks of your life to us, helping us navigate your country for our first visit.

I’ll never forget the first time you told us about Jens. About how he brought you such joy and meaning. How he didn’t really like America. And maybe wouldn’t ever come to visit. That turned out to be a false worry. Just as you became part of our lives so quickly, so did Jens. My visits to Stuttgart almost five years ago are among my most treasured memories. Lots of music. Lots of football. Trips to the art museum (even if Jens didn’t want to go there.) Getting to know Jens was another gift you gave to us.

Generous. Kind. Maybe too considerate of others. Always looking for ways to make the world a more positive place. Your gifts to us have become intimate parts of who we are. I will always look in my heart and find you there.

We will love you forever, my dear friend. Be at peace.

Love, Barry