“You’re My Beautiful” is a love song I wrote for my wife Emma, to mark three significant milestones in her life. First, I wanted to give her a unique and special gift from my heart in the form of a love song for her upcoming birthday. Second, Emma took early retirement in August 2023 from academia and research and was a professor of epidemiology at Ontario Tech University (OTU) in Oshawa, Ontario. We have taught at various institutions together over the years including Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, University of Windsor and most recently at OTU. We were passionate about teaching; have both received teaching awards and have co-published five textbooks related to public health together over the years. Emma has recently released her first fantasy novel (Emma P. Shan) entitled “Ozia: When the Sky Tore” and plans on writing additional novels. We have also worked not only as partners in marriage, but also in research related to various noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Third, Emma is a breast cancer survivor, and this December will mark the 10th anniversary of her victory over this deadly disease.
Emma and I have been married now for almost 33 years and have been through hell and high-water together literally. We have two adult sons who are university students now. I would like to use the analogy of fine wine to describe how I feel about my wife Emma and our relationship over time. Although the wine bottle may have accumulated some dust over the years, it’s what’s inside that really counts most! Indeed, the wine within that bottle has become more precious and sweeter with the passing of time. This was the inspiration behind this love song, which was written from my heart and soul for my wife who continues to be even more beautiful to me with the passing of time…