Wow.  What do I have to share about Rein Taalman... I should just be able to say that anyone who helped create a woman and best friend - a sister - like Amanda, is nothing short of phenomenal.  However, ironically, since he produced such a wonderful daughter who loved him so much that she wanted him to live with her in his final years, I also had the distinct privilege of getting to know Rein personally.  More so when she took him and Alex to live by the beautiful Pacific.  Like most, I felt a little intimidated when I met him at their initial condo when they first moved to Southern California.  But within five minutes I found myself feeling like I had another dad.  We didn't agree on politics, but we loved to talk about them.  And as a hopeful future lawyer, we watched court cases together when Amanda was at work.  What a sweet man.  And Amanda treated him with such dignity and respect, which doesn't always happen when you've got as much on your plate as she has had.  This is something she definitely learned from him.

And boy, did he love her!  I mean, who wouldn't, right?  But he doted on her.  She made him very proud with her academic, personal, and interpersonal achievements.  She and Alex were so wonderful with him.  She is such an extension of him in strength, love, friendship, family, bravery, and loyalty.

The straw that broke the camel's back for me, though, was when I visited with my daughter.  Ava was fve or six at the time, and she still remembers and talks about Rein.  They spent so much time together when we were there.  She would draw him picture after picture, and he would proudly look at her and tell what a great job she did.  If he ever tired of her he didn't show it.  He treated her like another grandchild.  She was very sad to hear that he has gone home, but she is glad he is home.  I feel the same way.

He spent his life as I knew him as a protector, police officer, wonderful husband to Amanda's mom before she passed, and a patient and caring single father to Amanda after she passed.  Oh, Amanda is nothing if not honest - even about herself, and throughout our 15-year friendship she's told me about her ups and downs, and that her dad was there through it all.  I'm positive that this is how Amanda made the tremendous choices she has made - to have a father like that is very rare in this world.

I really enjoyed every moment I spent with Rein, and I love him very much.  I know, though, that he is happy to be in heaven with his wife, family, and friends who have gone before him.  He's deserving of the rest and peace, though he will be missed by us until we see him again.  

Rein, I celebrate you.  I celebrate knowing you, our many conversations, your gentle spirit towards me, my friendship with your daughter for whom I would do anything, and I celebrate the family you created, as I've heard nothing but wonderful things about them as well.  Your sweetness towards my daughter just warmed my heart, and I celebrate that in great abundance, as my children are my world.  

Thank you, Rein, for our times together with you, Amanda & Alex.  We also celebrate that you were able to spend time with the beautiful new addition to your family before you left.  I know you will always be watching over Amanda and her family, always keeping them safe.  

Lastly, thank for our visits overlooking the ocean....  We'll remember you always.

In love and with God's Grace,

Celia, Ava & Sebastian Pauli