Posted by Gob at tnt1-216-199-4-30.jax.fdn.com on February 04, 2002 at 17:36:25:
True love is a beautiful thing.
I just read your "Arena" article entitled "Jens's Painting". The way you speak of your wife, particularly your reference to her as "the keeper of all of your tomorrows" is heart-warming.
In my experience, men do not often have/take the opportunity to publicly express their feelings for the ones they love. Moreover, when they do, it is usually accompanied by some kind of foolishness, lest they be mocked by anyone who might bring their manhood into question for being sentimental.
Certainly, the nature of your films might indicate a propensity for the above mentioned foolishness, but you were quite eloquent. I would never presume to make an assumption about anyone based on the limited information available on a website or articles about that person; and I would never presume to know you, but you must admit, you do project a somewhat "non-serious" image.
So often, we do not express to our loved ones how we truly feel about them. We just assume they know. Your loving words about your relationship with Jen, the acknowledgement of the sacrifices she made to be with you and her need to do something "all her own" touched my heart. Your love for your partner is evident and I am sure if you were speaking those words rather than writing them, your love for her would be written all over your face.
Jen managed to snag a good one. I hope she realizes what a prize she has in you. I hope she takes a copy of that article and tapes it to the back of her painting. As her painting will immortalize her for generations to come, those generations will be warmed to know how much her husband loved and appreciated her. Then, your love for her will be immortalized with her.
Since becoming a Kevin Smith fan, I have always had a great respect for your talent as a writer/director and your ability to make us laugh. Now I can add to that list, a respect for a devoted husband and father. Congratulations for managing to be one of the good guys in a sea of so many fuck-ups.
Ever a devoted fan,
Laura