You 've always been a man determined to take the initiative needed to live life to the fullest. I think of that every time I'm at the house in Vermont, when I wander down the cross-country skiing trails we cleared together.
More than fifteen years later, those paths, still open, lead to bubbling brooks and deep green waves of timber I never would have seen if you hadn't turned to me that wintry day and said, "Let's do some work." Here's to 80 years of obstacles cleared, markers made, and trails blazed.
Love, Noah
Happy Birthday! When I think about this very special day I remember your first date with Mom 45 years ago. Mom’s social life seemed like a group project for the three of us (we never liked Mort Stern). We all looked forward to meeting you with some anticipation because the Saltzmans fixed you up and we liked them. I was 7 and Zev was 8. Even though we were recovering from chicken pox (or chicken pops) with our faces full of dots, we were determined to get a good look at you. As we sat on the staircase I was appointed by Zev to have the first sighting. I remember walking across the living room to go to the sun porch pretending to search for a book. There you were, sitting on the couch in a black watch plaid shirt, looking like a "tired out old Englishman". Of course I hadn’t been to England and had never met an Englishman so I don’t know why I gave you that sobriquet. All I know is that that the encounter changed all our lives forever and now at 80 no one would ever call you "tired out". You are a remarkable example for all of us of energy, vitality and determination. You set the tone for the entire family. It’s a remarkable legacy. You’ve given us a vision of what it means to be "senior". The future looks exceedingly bright in that context.
Over all these years you have tried to teach me many things: riding my first bike, driving a car, French (where’s my B?) Because of you: I sold more girl scout cookies than anyone...I never speak with anyone in business without a pad and pencil...I do my best to keep my desk neat at all times...I try (and I do mean try) to be a good driver since I don’t think you’re going to rescue me again.
The point is that from your first date with Mom you have given all of us all that you have: 100% of yourself and we have all benefited from your dedication. I remember when you would be up at 6 AM leaving for Quakertown and returning precisely at 6:30 in the evening. No matter what occurred that day, we had your full attention. After dinner, the table was cleared, your briefcase would come out and so would your advise. You were available to us and I today I think about all you gave and how hard you and Mom worked. From your first date until now it all seems to have happened so fast.
The Chinese consider 8 to be the supreme lucky number. This is a good sign for the beginning of your new decade. I wish you all the best and send you love and thanks for being in our lives.
With love from the bottom of my heart,
Carol
I don't think I'll ever forget the sight of you welcoming our wedding guests two years ago. You were dressed in a bright bicycle-racing outfit, standing next to your red Porsche; what an inspiring sight.
As one of the newest family members, I want to thank you for your caring, generosity and the warmth with which you've welcomed me into your family.
In the Chinese culture dates including the number 8 are particularly auspicious. May this be a wonderful time for you.
Affectionately,
Ed
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