November 9, 1993
My next trip to Richmond will be in late February. I’ve been asked to give a lecture to the Jewish Women’s Club on February 28 (dedicated to Ruth Meyer, a founded of the JWC). I’ve given two talks to that group in the past. One was a review of Doctor Zhivago (about 30 years ago or whenever the book came out). In the other, I read a paper I had written for my Genesis 1-11 class at Trinity (one of my best!). That was about 15 years ago. The reason I did that one was because Nana, who usually did at least one book review a year, didn’t feel up to doing one that year, and so she substituted the next best thing!
March 9, 1994
Returned from my week in Richmond on Monday and can report that it was “a glorious week” (Boss’ words!) My speech to the Jewish Women’s Club on Tuesday 2/20 was very successful. The 40 or more women (and Albert Wasserman) were extremely attentive. Many spoke afterwards about Ruth and about the history of the club. Many came to me afterwards to hug me if they knew me. One who never met me but knew Nana said “I should have known Ruth would have a daughter like you.”
November 9, 1994
I feel so blessed that many years before Nana died we had reconciled all of our differences, that we loved and admired each other, and told each other so in many, many ways. I feel that the way I have honored her this past year has been a privilege as well as a spiritual gift I didn’t expect.