Happy Birthday Jido!

On this day, 73 years ago, Fouad George Matta was born!

73 years. That's a long time, my friends.

Today, we celebrate him in our hearts and minds, as a wonderful man and loving person.  Even though he is no longer with us, his influence and spirit lives on.  The lives he has touched are living proof of the impact he had on the people that knew him.  For this, I will forever honor this day, March 14th, as the day that brought my grandfather into this world.

It is said about people born on March 14th:

"They are fond of society and are good conversationalists, and their company is sought by all.  They are energetic and clear thinkers.  With their blessed combination of ambition and friendly disposition, they will achieve great success in anything they undertake."

For those of you who knew Fouad, I think you can agree with me when I say that this is a very good way to describe our birthday boy.

And, since this is the celebration of what would be Fouad Matta's 73rd birthday, there is a surprise too!

Today, my dad did a very special thing.  Something we both have been wanting to do for a while. 
He bought Jido's online obituary and guestbook, so that the kind words and honorable biography of him can be forever on the Internet...The expiration date has disappeared!!!
I ask you all to please thank him for that...it was very nice of him to do that for us and for Jido.  He has also written his guestbook message, and I ask you all to go and read that too, since it's very touching.  Now, where ever we go, we can always carry the love and support of the many people who knew Fouad and cared for him.  We can always look back upon the beautiful messages to him and about him, and smile and cry and remember him as he always was in life: An Angel.

This is the link to the obituary:  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=142374596

This is the link to the guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/bostonglobe/guestbook.aspx?n=fouad-matta&pid=142374596&cid=full

Thank you to those who have offered to 'Contribute to Tribute'.  That will be posted in April, and when I need of your assistance, I'll let you know! For now, family, goodbye!

Love,
Danielle
Happy Birthday Jido! Je t'aime beaucoup mon grand-pere! Tu es mon ange gardien! xxx