Friday, December 30, 2016
Dear Kellie and Sherri - You may not remember me, but I used to live at 10 Ferndale Lane, and babysat the two of you for several years. I was so, so sorry to learn of your father's death. He and your mother were wonderful people. They were very kind to me, and I enjoyed being with you, and them. I remember when we all went to Ocean City in New Jersey, spending lots of time on the beach and in the water.
Your mom was a very caring person, and she and I used to spend time together with the two of you at Yaman Park (remember those high calorie pizza frittes they used to serve?).
My favorite story about your dad was one that your mom told me one summer afternoon when she called and said she needed to go to Pennsylvania right away, could I please come to the house and look out for the two of you while she was away. Apparently your dad had locked the keys to his corvette in the car, somewhere at a Pennsylvania Turnpike rest stop. Instead of asking the police for assistance, which would have been a tad embarrassing for him, he asked your mom to drive all the way to Pennsylvania and back with a spare set of keys! Your mom had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard, but made me promise not to tell your dad, or let him know in any way, that I knew the reason for your mom's emergency trip.
The first wine I ever drank was at your house. Almaden vineyard, red wine. Your parents were way ahead of the curve on California wines, appreciating it several years before it caught on big.
It was always a joy to watch our for the two of you, and it was always a joy to be with your parents. My deepest condolences to you both. It seems we never have enough time to spend with those we love, and there's never enough time to prepare oneself to say goodbye. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
With love,
Alesia
