April 9 Dear Catherine and Vincent,    Even though I’m writing this letter, it’s really from Olivia and me, and Luke, too, in a way.  It’s from all of us because we truly feel that you are a part of our family.  People in a real family help each other to grow stronger, to face their problems and become better people, and, no matter what, they won’t turn away.  Families are there for you and will go on loving you not only through the happy times but also through the difficulties we have to face.  It’s the greatest gift of all, and it’s the one that you have given to us.    There’s something else we share, too.  All of us were given, in our own ways, an opportunity to start over, a chance for a better life.  And the direction for that better life has been love.  Twice in my life, I’ve been blessed with a chance to begin again.  Once was when Catherine helped me face the darkness in my past and taught me how to try to make amends so that those shadows might be lessened.  She was a friend to me when taking on such a role was far from easy, and I will always be grateful to her.    The other time I had that “second chance” was when I met Olivia.  Olivia . . . She changed my life in ways I never dreamed possible.  She took away my loneliness and her love has brought more light and joy to my existence than I’d ever dared to hope for.  She has helped me become the person I should be, a person who is worthy of her love and trust.  And I know Catherine has done this for you, Vincent.  It’s a gift beyond measure. Olivia is reading this letter over my shoulder as I write and she has something she wants  to add.    Although I’m sure you know without my saying so, the words that Kanin just wrote are my words as well.  Before I met him, my life had also changed.  Before I could fully understand what was happening, everything I knew and loved best was taken from me in a very tragic and unexpected way.  I went on from day to day, but while it slowly became a pleasant enough existence – as long as I didn’t look at it too closely – there was little direction and purpose to my days.  And then, all of a sudden, Kanin came along and changed my life forever.  I never dreamed that I would someday know the kind of happiness he has given me.  It’s like a miracle, one I feel you, Catherine, know and understand completely.    Vincent and Catherine, you two have everything ahead of you.  We’ve all been given a second chance.  There are no guarantees of a third.  Don’t be afraid to reach for what you want, what you need most of all.  Don’t be afraid to reach for each other in every way.  There are so many promises waiting to be fulfilled. With our love and friendship, Kanin and Olivia    P.S. We’ll always remember the very special help you gave us when our new chamber was completed.  Someday we’ll return that favor! Next or  Return To CABB