The hard times test us but they are not the only times. My life has been made happy and fun by the warmth of my family. Whenever we get together laughter and love fill the room. I am sure the stories I have told will be retold long after I am gone. Who could forget Uncle Michel putting a herring on a string so his kids would have a pet? Reflections
Whatever else Herman and I have accom- plished it is the values of our children and grandchildren that make us most proud. No one is afraid to work hard in our family. Our business has been built on hard work and on values that go far beyond simply making money. To see my children all working together and contributing their many talents to making the business successful is a blessing. We have a lot to be proud of, but we are too smart to be too proud. Every day is a new day that is both a test and a reward. I feel everyone has a book in them. And every day life gives you something to talk about. There are always things that happen that are interesting, both good and bad. And some moments are as important as years. Writing a book about your life is a rewarding experience. Now my children and grandchil- dren will have a way to get to know me and some of their family history long after I’m gone.
FATHER’S DAY In May of 2013 my dear husband, Herman, learned that he had developed leukemia. He took this news with the strength he has shown so many times in the past. He still gets up every day and goes to the office. But now he has other appoint- ments to keep with doctors and medical special- ists of various sorts and to get blood transfusions. It is not easy and it affects all of us who love him. A few days ago Herman mentioned that he probably wouldn’t be traveling much any more and that, in all likelihood, he would not see New York City again. It was a sad remark and I mentioned it to our daughter, Wendy, and her daughter, Jessica. Father’s Day was approaching but I had no idea how Jessica and Wendy would use that casual comment to plan a special present for Herman. Father’s Day was on Sunday, early that morn- ing Jessica and her sister, Abigail, were in the local Publix supermarket, roaming the aisles, asking employees to help them find and gather as many empty boxes as they could carry. They wound up with about thirty boxes. To add to their adventure as the girls left Publix they came across a woman whose car had broken down and helped her push it to a parking space. Their next stop was a party store where
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