Dear Judi,

I just learned today of your mother’s passing and am so sorry for all you have been and are now going through.  Though decades have passed since we last saw each other, my most fond childhood memories are of the time spent with you and your family.  Your mother was so kind and always made me feel so comfortable and welcome during my (what in hindsight were probably far too) many visits.  At a time when doing so was considered safe, she gave us the freedom to explore the outside world – the second lot, “ice skating” in the nearby field and bike riding through the woods, yet she was very much in tune with and interested in what we were doing.   She let us watch Dark Shadows after school, and although she and my parents had much in common regarding classical music, I remember her listening to songs like “This Guy’s In Love With You” and Susan had the Yes album (Fragile?) with Roundabout … so many memories, all of them so good.  I am especially thankful for the manner in which you treated me with such kindness and respect, without giving into the persistent peer pressure to do otherwise.  For you to have been (at such a young age) so mature and accepting of someone who was often socially awkward, bullied (except when you were with me) and pretty much outcast, I believe that I also have your mother to thank for consistently demonstrating and instilling in you, Susan, Timothy (who loved playing with his Tonka truck!) and Sandy the same caring mannerisms.  After transferring to parochial school, and with those fond memories of our friendship and your family in tow, I had a good foundation on which to build self-esteem and feel to this day that I have all of you – especially you and your mother - to thank for making such a tremendous difference in my life.  I’m sure that the seeds of kindness that she planted so many years ago will continue to blossom and flourish by touching others in a similar way, and will nourish many more souls in generations to come.

Take care,

Lynda (Schwartz) Fee