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January 2, 2008
A Good Friend
As what seemed like the last remaining Canada Geese flew overhead on this bright, crisp morning, we gathered to celebrate the life (and mourn the death) of a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and cherished friend of the library. I was immediately taken with Julie Chodorow and his wife Doris when I met them years ago. I don't know if it was their sense of humor, their intelligence, their gentle manner, their stories of family and travel or some combination of it all. Well, I learned more about him today and I am even more awed.
Julie collected giraffes -- not just because they are beautiful animals, but because of the life lesson to be learned from them. Giraffes give birth standing up. This means that each baby giraffe hits the ground from six feet and must immediately stand and keep up with the herd to survive. Julie knew and taught his family (and now, his friends) that we must hit the ground running and persevere in order to do well in life.
Each generation of his family spoke about Julie. Through their eulogies, we understood what drew Julie to the library. He clearly had a passion for books, reading, education, and storytelling, At the end, one of his granddaughters-in-law spoke to the great grandchild generation about what she thought Julie would want them to remember about him. There were three things: the importance of family, a love of New York City, and to support your local library. She said that the library houses all sorts of wonderful things and there is lots to discover there. Then she told them to visit the library often and to think of their great grandfather when they do.
I know that we'll be thinking about him.
Posted by Michele at January 2, 2008 5:01 PM
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Comments
Wow! Well done Michele. This was an excellent tribute to Julie Chodorow and his family. Please make this available to Doris Chodorow and the family. They will simply love reading it. I would love to include it in the next newsletter.
Cathy Mealing
Posted by: Cathy Mealing at January 4, 2008 5:40 AM
The blog was lovely, Michele
Posted by: Mary L at January 4, 2008 11:31 AM