19 February 2016,
Dearest Michael and Harumi
My wife Kate and I are very sorry not to be there with you on this most special day for you and your families. However, you can be assured that we will be with you today in spirit and for the rest of your lives, which we hope are long, prosperous and full of love and laughter together.
Mike, our friendship is so precious to me. For literally decades, you have been an incredible source of advice, comfort, encouragement, humility and comedic relief. I am so proud of the man you have become, my friend. The adventures we have had together range from the ridiculous to the inspirational and life-changing. I miss you a lot but I know you have found a home, in particular with Harumi.
Harumi, although I only spent a couple of hours with you and Mike when we met in Jakarta last year, I knew instantly that you and your relationship with Mike were something very, very special. I’ve never seen Mike so happy and adoring. You are clearly a beautiful person and Mike is so very lucky to have found you.
Kate and I attended a wedding recently and heard an inspiring poem, which we’d like to share with you as you embark on the journey ahead.
Love One Another - Poem by Khalil Gibran
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
Sending all our love and best wishes, from our family to your family, old and new.
Tim McGregor Kate McGregor Tom McGregor Ed McGregor
And from brothers Rohan McGregor Andy McGregor Matt McGregor