The Reunion

Letter from the Gelmans

Dear everyone,

We had an absolutely magical weekend October 20-22, 2000.  For those of you who could not be with us in body, I will say, as I said to others, that the guest of honor could only be with us in spirit, and he definitely would have approved.
 
On Friday, we had approximately 100 of Jascha's friends come to our house. It was a happy, joyous, celebratory occasion. We had tents, food, drinks, pictures, video and a V.I.P. guest list. We had friends from California, New York, Chicago, Colorado, and even Israel.  We saw the original painting of Jascha by Jordan Atlas, enjoyed lots of old photos, and took lots of new ones.  They will be put on the website as soon as I get them to Francesca.

On Saturday, many went to Ann Arbor for the Michigan-Michigan State game.  Before the game started, Sandy, Gabe and I were escorted  to see the "brick" (actually, it is huge--a real plaque) inlaid at the stadium in memory of Jascha.  I really can never even find the ball in the football games and only go for the rush I get from seeing all the people in the stadium, or, in the past, from getting to see my boys and their friends as they wolfed down some food before the games.  In fact, I haven't been to a game since Jascha died. However, I can't wait to go now, just to visit this loving tribute from his friends. Sandy will be forever grateful, too, since he likes me to go with him.  You can see the certicficate that was given to us to keep in our home on the website, but you must go and visit the "brick" in person.  It kind of takes your breath away. To continue the joyful weekend, U of M won. Naturally.

On Sunday, we had the unveiling of Jascha's headstone at the cemetery.  Rabbi Michael Mellen came in again from Washington, D.C. to "officiate".  He doesn't just say a few words--he mesmerizes us. I felt so happy.  Here we were, on a spectacularly glorious day, surrounded by people we love and people Jascha loved.
Afterwards, we came back to our house again, for a brunch graced by H&H bagels, direct from New York, compliments of Dorian and his family. 

We can give Jascha the credit for everything--for the connections with people, for the fun, for the food, for the great weather--for everything.  But he never liked praise, and he certainly wouldn't want credit if it were undeserved.  None of this could have happened without you.  You were his friends. He truly liked you. Being with you made him happy, made him laugh. What you said about him can be said about you. You are loyal and dear.  We are forever grateful that we could see so many of you again, that you care enough to keep these connections.  You have given us support and comfort that I think will last a lifetime.  I feel so very lucky.

Thank you.
Judy, Sandy and Gabe


P.S. I have a spreadsheet and would like to keep it current with addresses,
emails, etc., so keep me informed of any changes. Visit the website, add
things as you think of them, and remember. We are all better for it.