Monday, March 1, 2010
Dear Mrs. Schwalb,
I know you are still watching over your family. Mothering and nurturing and loving were always your priority. You have touched us all and we will always feel your presence. You were the quintessential woman that we strive to be - the devoted wife, mother and friend.
My childhood memories are all so fond and warm - I am truly privileged to have been such a big part of your family growing up. When I moved to Manassas in the third grade, Stacey was the first friend I made. Your southern charm and manners and hospitality were taught to your daughters even at that young age - Stacey was a natural at making me feel welcome and part of my new neighborhood. I knew I had found my best friend forever. You were always warm and kind - you made me feel at home in the Schwalb house. Actually all of Anderson Court was made to feel that way - your graciousness was genuine and very generous. We all truly felt safe and cared for in your home - and that was important to me because I was often home alone after school while my parents worked long hours. The Schwalb house was full of love and laughter... and ice cream. Oh my gosh, I vividly remember the huge bowls of ice cream we would eat during sleepovers.
And of course my fondest memories are of many vacations in Hilton Head. You gave your girls so many experiences and I was lucky enough to be included.
Thank you Mrs. Schwalb for being a second mom to me. And especially for being an inspiring role model now that I have my own children. I absolutely cherish my happy memories of you. I am so blessed to have known you and your amazing family.
Mr. Schwalb, I am grateful that you allowed me to experience your Church and explore religion which was not part of my upbringing. I am thankful that you invited me, for years, to those many Sunday morning masses - those lessons and memories are a treasured gift.
I love you all, Nathalie Palmer
