Renate Späth

Liebe Renate.....this is your nephew Steven far away in Florence Oregon in America.  I sent you a Christmas card in early December.  I sent a card also to your sister Roswitha at the same time and heard back from her December 20th, and so I hope you got your card and it brought you a smile.  I was hoping you might have replied with a letter, but I understand you did not have the opportunity to do so.  I think of you each day and I have a photo of you on the refrigerator from your visit in the summer of 2000.  And so while I say "far away in Florence Oregon in America", you are always with me in heart.  And for my consolation, I think of you with Oma and Opa..Inge..Anita..Diana..and Doreen.  And I always remember the lovely 17 year old girl I met years ago when I was 10 years old.  And, I still have the souvenir golf balls you sent to me after your visit here in 2000.  I treasure them and my memories of you.

My sorrow especially goes out to your immediate family "Caleb, Sandra, and Linda" whom I have not met but are extended family.

With a broken heart but with a smile to you,

Your nephew, Steven ("Stefan")