160/365 Anne

I was the only neophyte in a group of well-published children’s authors. It was daunting. Ann was not only an esteemed children’s author but the daughter of two esteemed children’s authors. I’ll always remember her generosity with criticism and praise.

159/365 Althea

The most proper woman I’ve ever known, but charming and utterly sincere. Childrearing can be messy; nevertheless, she undertook it once (with apparent success). She said all she ever wanted was true love. She got it, but widowhood came early.

158/365 Barrett

The soft, Continental accent, the impeccable manners, the pride when he speaks of his children, the shy smile, the sense of humor always ready to erupt, the overweight, sarcastic, demanding battle ax of a wife always ready to erupt, too.

157/365 Christopher

A sense of humor so sharp that he didn’t need good looks, but he had those, too.  He also had a sex addiction, not the most attractive quality. So tempting to think we’d be the cure, but we knew better.

156/365 Dr. T.

Dr. T. calls me “The Big Boob," a reference to my former life as a breastfeeding advisor who counseled his wife. At least I think it’s a reference to my former life as a breastfeeding advisor who counseled his wife…

155/365 My Cousin John

I went to his wedding when I was 17and he was all grown up. I wouldn’t recognize him today, but we exchange long letters several times a year. He is my family news scribe, and an irreplaceable shoulder when needed.

154/365 Judith

I was tall, but Judith was taller. Long black curls like dreads, and full red lips even back then, when she cornered me in the elevator and did her good Jewish duty:  “Susan, there’s no such thing as Santa Claus.”

153/365 Jasmine

She was bright and might have been pretty had she not grown up tough and ramrod stiff, the result of a childhood spent defending a mother who set fire to the bedding, a mother too fat to leave the house.

152/365 My Father’s Cousin Harold

Harold’s promising career on the concert stage was cut short by the slip of a surgeon’s knife. His wit remained intact, however, along with the intelligence, patience, and manners that made him a wonderful teacher (and husband, father, and friend).

151/365 Jimmy

In his youth Jimmy was a Golden Gloves fighter. Later, he supported a wife and five children working on the New York City docks. Not a genteel bone in his sinewy, hard body, but a sweetness emerged in old age.