Thanksgiving '24

Ed, Jennifer (and David),

Enclosed are photos that I took of the table in your dining room where you generously shared your Thanksgiving dinner with me. I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me into your home with incredible kindness and hospitality.

It's always years between my being in a house — as opposed to an apartment — since I have no relatives or friends who live in NYC. I never cease to be amazed at your warm home with its unique history, beautiful architecture and art. I always enjoy the conversations we have together and I learn from your perspectives.

I really mean the following: I am so impressed with you all as individuals and as a family. I knew Ed was truly accomplished from my many years of working with him and I knew about some of his interests, travels, insight and his great sense of humor. From our talks I have learned about Jennifer's work, interests and her values which are similar to mine. I have now met David and I have great admiration for everything he expresses and his choices in life, and I wish there were far more young men like him in charge of the future of America. I have yet to meet Luke but I listened to him talk to Ed and David on the phone and I am equally impressed with him. The interactions among all of you are wonderful.

Of course, I appreciate you because of the contrast with my own family. I forgot to mention that my father, a World War II veteran (Navy) was in the 1960s (before he returned to Toronto to live out the rest of his life) diagnosed with certain disorders including a form of schizophrenia, although it does not excuse in any way his actions (he knew right from wrong and chose wrong). There never was a steady, wise father figure in our home and there were no continuous, positive, father/son relationships. Without my mother, we wouldn't have survived.

Ed is my favorite example of what a father should be and his sons are so fortunate. Jenifer is the perfect mother, a strong and knowledgeable person with the standards and ideals that have benefited her family and which would be a gift to young people anywhere.

Dinner in such a marvelous environment was really quite significant for me, since as I mentioned, I have eaten Thanksgiving dinner alone for decades (my parents, older brother, older sister, all aunts/uncles, and more than 1/2 of my cousins all either live in other states or are now deceased, mostly the latter).

I want to mention that the "Care Package" that Jennifer prepared for me was sampled later on Thanksgiving night and it provided me with most of my dinner on Friday night. The food was wonderful and I won't ever forget it.

Lastly, you will recall that I wanted to give a name to the metal totem pole with the face on it. I haven't come up with a short name. His long name is "He Who Watches Marc And Will Be Marc's Friend As Long As Marc Does Not Get Too Drunk With Wine". 😉😊😄

It was the most special Thanksgiving I have had in a very, very long time.

Marc