In Memorium: The Passing of a Legend; In Celebration: My Son's First Birthday!
A Note from my mother, Soeilan Friedel to the staff of Assael International.
Dear Assael Company Staff members,
April 1 is and will always be a memorable day for me.
I never had the privilege to have worked for Mr. Assael, but I had the good fortune to know him through Albert.
On the first anniversary of Mr. Assael’s passing on April 1, 2012 and in honor of his memory I am taking the liberty of sharing this tribute with you, his staff members, as I know that he held each and every one of you in a special place in his heart.
A poem of the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson that he completed in 1849 in memory of a dear and esteemed friend of his comes to my mind. It is considered to be one of the greatest poems of the 19th century. The title of Lord Tennyson’s poem is “In Memoriam” and the theme was the search for hope after great loss.
This is Lord Tennyson's original poem:
" I hold it true, whate'er befall
I feel it when I sorrow most
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all".
I am adapting this beautiful poem to reflect my own feelings in tribute to Mr. Assael's memory:
“I hold it true, whatever happens
I feel it when I miss you most
It was better to have known you and deal with the aftermath
Than never have known you at all.
Mr. Assael, you will always be in our memories, with gratitude and esteem”.
I started the day, April 1, 2012 in the morning with saying a prayer in memory of Mr. Salvador Assael.
I ended the day, April 1, 2012 in the evening with celebrating the first birthday of Alexander Friedel.
Here is to a celebration of Mr. Assael’s memory and also to a celebration of life!
Wishing you a safe and good day.
Soeilan Friedel
April 2, 2012
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I, Andre Friedel, have mixed emotions regarding the 1st of April as well. I will never forget THAT moment when my fist-born-son, Alexander Sylar was born. Enthralled in the miracle of life, it was only later on in the day when I received the news that Mr. Salvador Assael, The Pearl king, had passed.
His accomplishments WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. His perserverence and persistence, his refusal to back down to the pessimists regarding the value of what was, before his impact, considered costume jewelry; deserve accolades. Before his famous display in coordination with Harry Winston where he had placed an 'astronomical figure' on the South Sea Pearl necklaces being worn by the mannequins. The very next day, all of the strands were sold. The GIA, after due process, acknowledged the South Sea Pearl and certified, GIA precious jemstone.
To Mr. ASSAEL:
::MOURNING YOUR LOSS:: ~ and worry not as there are plenty of people here who haven't forgotten a thing you have taught us. Most importantly, resiliency in the face of adversary!
Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2:25PM Andre S. Friedel 
;)
