September 3, 2021

Dear Marci, Yona, David, Gill and Family

Although it's now hard to recreate a letter I sent to Mrs. Diamond when she was alive, it's not hard to find the message in my memory or my heart.

I wrote to tell her how significant she was in my life story. In 1960, when I was 16 and got pregnant, I was filled with shame; rejected by my family; and thrown out of high school. The Mrs. Diamond had a kitchen table talk with me and I learned about unconditional love.

She held my hands, looked me in the eyes and told me that my life was not over. She said my life would change with a baby, but my dreams would continue. She said I could care for a baby and still continue my education plans at night school/high school and college.

She offered me courage and love - I felt no judgement - I felt encouragement and I learned to never give up on your dreams even when life seems to put a stumbling block in the path. In that table talk she showed me the inner strength to stay on task when life gets hard. Because she believed in me - I believed in myself. Because she loved me - I loved myself. Tears of gratitude are now flowing! All my years I referenced her in my mind and she still remains in my heart.

Bless you Mrs. Diamond

Love always,

Eldora, LCSW