Love Grows

Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief

I write this in the midst of a winter storm, with snow drifts blowing in the wind and many school districts closed for the day. But the temperature outside has no effect on the warming of my heart when reading the articles in this edition.

Writing the cover story was a real treat as the couples, especially the Denhas, remind me of my own loving parents who, although no longer with us, left a legacy of love and faith and family. My parents struggled to send 9 children to Catholic school, survived the death of their son by suicide and a couple of teen pregnancies to boot.

Their marriage spanned 57 years and ultimately included 23 grandchildren and 26 greatgrandchildren. I will never forget the poem that my dad penned for his life partner. I found it on the picnic table that served as our dining room table one Mother’s Day morning, accompanied by flats of flowers for my mother’s garden. It is too long to include here, but the line that stands out is: “Love is alive and living things with nourishment keep growing.” That is 100% true.

The couples that we featured in the article have fed their marriages and kept them growing over the years. There’s no secret ingredient to a happy union; instead, it’s the simple things— like honesty and respect— that make a marriage last. And laughter. We can’t forget laughter. It is nourishment to the soul as well as the partnership.

Speaking of partnerships, we are delighted to feature the story of w3r Consulting. Patrick Tomina, one of the three partners, has served on the board of the Chaldean American Chamber, and w3r is a longtime supporter of the Chamber’s annual events. Tomina, who is Chaldean, forged a fast bond with the other two partners, who are African American, and the melding of their cultures has created a unique business model.

The February edition also features a profile on Dave Nona, one of the early members of the Chaldean Iraqi Association of Michigan (CIAAM) and a pioneer of the Chaldean community here in Michigan. A good man with a servant’s heart, Dave wants us all to focus on the common good.

Our Culture and History section is once again blessed by an article written by Dr. Miri, this one about Iraqis’ love affair with tea, or chai. It’s one of the world’s most popular beverages as well as a sign of hospitality.

In our two guest columns, Mike Sarafa returns to opine about the value of integrity and Chris Salem, a previous contributor, writes about the importance of unity among believers.

Fans of football (or what we in America call “soccer”) around the world recently united in their celebration of Iraq winning the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup. Not only did the Iraqi team win the Cup, but the tournament in Basra also marked the first time since 1979 that it took place in Iraq. That’s yet another reason to celebrate. Weam Namou reports on the festivities in different areas and provides photos of the celebrants as well.

We are also running stories on Ivan Jaddou, a successful shoe designer; Ark Angel Fund II, the Chaldean American Chamber’s expanded angel investment venture; and Amanda Elias, who is doing her part for the community from the Detroit mayor’s office.

This being the month of St. Valentine, we are also including an article on the Psychology of Love. I hope you enjoy!

Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief