Dear Eric,
My heart is broken over the passing of your wonderful mother and my sweet lifelong friend. She had told me in September that she might be moving, so I was checking the Internet to see if a new address came up, and instead, I saw the news of her death. She and I never lost touch since I lived next door to you in Far Rockaway. I'd always look forward to her knocking the door because she not only had some fun stories to share, but often came bearing some of her delicious homemade pastries. I felt so close to her and comfortable with her. Once, when I was in high school, I realized when I arrived at school one morning, that I wasn't sure if I had locked the door. It was very early, but I called your mom and asked her to check the door for me. It had been locked, but she was more than happy to check it. I knew she would be because she was always so willing to help anyone. Jim and I were in Florida about 15 years or so ago, and we called and asked her if we could stop by for just a short visit. We did visit her, and were so welcomed by her and her happy personality. I'm so glad we got to do that. It was wonderful seeing her. She showed us lots of pictures. One was a picture of her with your dad, in which she looked like a movie star. We both decided she looked like Olivia de Havilland, a great Hollywood beauty. I loved getting photos of all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren from her over the years. I will always treasure them. In her letters, as she grew older, she would sign them "Your friend forever, Gert," and that was what she always was. I spoke to her on September 17th, at which time I learned from her about the recent passing of your brother. That was another shock. I am so sorry you have had so much sadness in such a short time, Eric. You and your family are in my prayers. I hope that the love of family and friends is of comfort to you. I will miss your sweet mother and her friendship. I believe we will be with her again someday. God bless you.