What a beautiful piece of writing - full of soul and emotion and enigmatic too. Maya Angelou was yet another touchstone of our family life and also representative of a set of beliefs and world perspectives with which you and Lottie were imbued. I can not describe how proud I am of both of you and what you have become. It is important to me in this era of shallowness and transience to hold on to fundamental groundings because that is what stops us just drifting with each new idea or trend and to establish out own identity. I love the way in which your piece uses the capital letters for Him and Her which juxtaposes the notion of equal significance and value - and reference?

Well done darling. Keep writing as you really have a talent to write about those things which are important to you and about which you have an understanding. Writing also helps us  make sense of who we are and what is of value to us - it helps define us.

There was a replay on Radio Four of an interview with Maya Angelou at the Hay Festival broadcast on Saturday night about 11.30 pm which you might catch on Bbc Iplayer. It was typical of her irreverence, joy, insight and humour - and of course that wonderful voice. Also an account in Saturdays Guardian Review of a recent encounter with her.

I would like to send a copy of you email to Yvonne, if you are in agreement, as she would be so pleased to see how important Maggie was in helping to form your views and values.

Take care Simone, and always remember that you are loved for exactly what and who you are. WhenI read an email like that Imthinkmthat I've not done too bad a job as a parent.

Lots of,love

Dad xx