Dear Karita. There are constants and variables in life. Work is a variable – we may switch jobs if we want a new challenge. Hobbies are a variable – we can always find a new hobby if we get tired of the old one. Even some people are variables – they come and then disappear from our lives without leaving a trace. But some people are constants. Like our children, for example. They stay in our lives and our hearts until we are around on this planet.

Some friends are also constants – they come to our lives and will always be there. Like you, my friend. You are in my heart and remain part of it wherever I am. But then there’s the most special kind of a constant. A person that we meet one day. Who comes to our life and changes everything. For the better.

I want to write how you met the love of your life 20 years ago. I will always remember this amazing day. And I need to say one thing: you – Karita nad David – were destined to meet. It had to happen. And I am glad I was the variable who contributed to this.

30 of August 1997. It was a nice and mostly sunny day, still summery and warm. It had not rained as much as it usually does during August in Tallinn and a friend of mine had invited me to a party at his house where several guys were celebrating their birthdays together. His house and garden were big so he said it was OK if I wanted to come together with a friend.

I had a friend who I wanted to coax to come with me. She had been living with a guy who I did not like for the reason that he never saw his girlfriend the way she really was – smart, beautiful, kind and loyal. He always wanted to change her. Sorry to bring it up now, Karita, but I still remember how you went on a strange diet because he wanted you to have an even slimmer waist than you already had. You drank some powder in the mornings which made you feel nauseous. But you already had a bloody slim waistline!

Anyway, I was happy that you had started to have second thoughts about this relationship and I was happy that you, somewhat reluctantly and hesitantly, had agreed to come along to this party. We arrived and were greeted by the main host. We were greeted by some of the guys who, together with the host, celebrated their birthdays. And then suddenly, quite soon after our arrival something happened. I sensed it even though I was not part of it. A connection was made between two people. They had noticed each other. The invisible Cupid who did not have a day off on Saturday and was hovering around, aimed his bow and shot two golden arrows – one at Karita and one at David.

I did not exist in my best friend’s agenda any longer that evening. I did meet Karita and David wandering around in the garden and talking with each other but I understood that it was a no entry zone. They walked in a bubble that belonged only to the two. One had to be extremely daft and dim not to see that there was something going on between those two people. They were falling in love.

I did remember that I spoke with all the other guys who celebrated their birthdays but with David I never really had a chance as he was so busy with Karita. But we have had the opportunity to meet and talk to each other later. Slowly but surely, seeing how my best friend started to shine and show her true colors – bright and beautiful, I understood that you were the man. You really deserved Karita, the most astonishing woman I have had the privilege to get to know.

I have been happy for you, Karita and David, since the moment you met. Thank you for sharing some of the most important moments in your life (in addition to the day you met)! I was thrilled when you announced your engagement and overjoyed at your wedding. I was delighted to hear it when Karita announced that she was pregnant with her first child and elated when she carried the second baby. Lukas and Mark are part of this special world where the two of you stand strong and keep the spark in your relationship that was ignited on the day you met. If there is someone I look up to in how to hold and keep the relationship growing, it is you – Karita and David.

I am sorry I am not there with you today to celebrate this important event. But I am there in my thoughts and hope that you will have a wonderful day. Thank you for inspiring and making the world a better place with your power of love!

Kairi