Friday, July 29, 2016

Judah Daniel, Judah and Daniel Westport

Dear Friends,

Its been a while since I wrote last.  As this year Judah would have turned fifty, I thought I would add a few more Judah stories.

Five years ago, I started a library program in Westport, in honor of my parents Gert and Abe Wolf.
They loved the library and loved reading.  While the program is formally in their name, Judah's name is also on a plaque on the outside of the library door.  He too spent time, borrowed books and as you all know that he loved learning.  The library also commemorated his memory by planting a tree on the library lawn.  They did that for my mother as well.

Each first grade student is given a library card at their first visit to the Library.  The school and the library choose a local author, illustrator to read their work to the children.  Each child is presented with this book inscribed by the author to keep.

After a few years, I was asking the librarians if this program had any impact.  She said, "yes, their are two brothers who have become avid readers, coming frequently with their mom to check out books. Their names are Judah and Daniel." 

This summer I was watching the town's July fourth parade from the library lawn, when some one called out Judah.  I turned and stared at this nine year old boy, whose name was Judah.  Finally I introduced my self to him and met his mom.  Daniel was not there .  After a cry and explanation of of events I asked her why she chose the names Judah and Daniel for her sons.

Daniel is the first born, and she liked his character as portrayed in the bible story.  And when she was pregnant with her second son she asked Daniel to chose between Joel and Judah.  Judah won out.
She is a religious Christian, and felt our connection was from another source.

What ever the source is, it is wonderful to have Judah stories.

Love to all his friends who are turning 50, and of course to all of you.