Dear Vincent and Catherine,
There’s no fool like an old fool. At least that’s what Mary just told me, and after considerable painful reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that she’s right. I have been a fool.
Vincent, all of your life I told myself I was protecting you, keeping you safe from harm and heartache. I was trying to keep you from making the same mistake I had – falling in love with the wrong woman, a woman who would destroy your life. But I was blind to the truth, and in that blindness I hurt you more than anything I might have imagined or feared.
Catherine, I had no reason to doubt the sincerity of your love for Vincent. Indeed, you have proven your devotion to him - and to us - time and again. But I could not permit myself to believe this, and I hurt you deeply because of my own memories, my fear of the past repeating itself.
You see, Catherine, you reminded me so much of Margaret that when I looked at you all I could see was a beautiful and wealthy young woman who would soon tire of the restrictions put on her life. A spoiled socialite who would one day break Vincent’s heart - just as Margaret broke mine.
Even though, in my heart, I knew you were not like Margaret, I could not set aside my fears – I could not accept what I knew was real. I totally ignored the depth of the bond you and Vincent share. I disregarded the strength of your feelings for one another and refuse to see the love between you. But I know I cannot go on this way, and I only hope that it is not too late for me to make amends. I have been so terribly wrong about your love, and I ask that you someday find a way to forgive me.
I know the others from our world are sending letter to you celebrating your anniversary. I join them in wishing you all the happiness in the world, the happiness I now realize you can find only with each other.
My love and blessings to you both,
Father

Dear Vincent and Catherine, There’s no fool like an old fool. At least that’s what Mary just told me, and after considerable painful reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that she’s right. I have been a fool. Vincent, all of your life I told myself I was protecting you, keeping you safe from harm and heartache. I was trying to keep you from making the same mistake I had – falling in love with the wrong woman, a woman who would destroy your life. But I was blind to the truth, and in that blindness I hurt you more than anything I might have imagined or feared. Catherine, I had no reason to doubt the sincerity of your love for Vincent. Indeed, you have proven your devotion to him - and to us - time and again. But I could not permit myself to believe this, and I hurt you deeply because of my own memories, my fear of the past repeating itself. You see, Catherine, you reminded me so much of Margaret that when I looked at you all I could see was a beautiful and wealthy young woman who would soon tire of the restrictions put on her life. A spoiled socialite who would one day break Vincent’s heart - just as Margaret broke mine. Even though, in my heart, I knew you were not like Margaret, I could not set aside my fears – I could not accept what I knew was real. I totally ignored the depth of the bond you and Vincent share. I disregarded the strength of your feelings for one another and refuse to see the love between you. But I know I cannot go on this way, and I only hope that it is not too late for me to make amends. I have been so terribly wrong about your love, and I ask that you someday find a way to forgive me. I know the others from our world are sending letter to you celebrating your anniversary. I join them in wishing you all the happiness in the world, the happiness I now realize you can find only with each other. My love and blessings to you both, Father

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