Dear All: On behalf of my sister, Sharon, and myself, with the passing on Wednesday morning of our Mother, Hella, a month shy of her 95th birthday, we thank you deeply for your love, attentiveness, help and support. We look around us to see so many good people who are essential to making up our world. Some of you are loving family, close friends and neighbors, some of you are selfless caregivers of the highest calling, and some of you are business friends with whom our relationships have become personal. People have observed that Sharon and I spared no expense for the absolute comfort of our Mum. To us, it was never a decision requiring any deliberation. We were incredibly fortunate to have our Mother to guide us throughout our lives. For myself and family, this is a time for reflection about the important things in life. Material comforts we strive for mean nothing unless we can share them. Our parents were both unusually compassionate people, having survived the horrible times of their youths with the helping hands of family and sometimes, the kindness of complete strangers. From an early age, they imbued us with respect for all who we met and to try to understand those whose actions and beliefs conflicted with our own. Wealth evaporates more easily than we are ever prepared for. All that is left to hold onto is hope and the hospitality of those more fortunate. I think this is a theme transcending all cultures. It's not hard to walk this path knowing we have many good companions. Love to all, Sharon and Seymour PS I don't know the emails of everyone I need to send this note to, so please forward to those who you think would like to read our message of thanks. PSS Special thanks to Scott and Wendy Racine for hosting us so graciously yesterday, after the ceremony.