June

[Mommy]

Hi Mikey,

It is the end of June and I made it through all the dates: the 7th, 20th, and 27th. I have been taking care of your dad and the wound that will not heal since his surgery on December 1. He just had a fourth surgery and is doing much better. I needed a break and went to Katie's to see Charlotte's tap dance recital and Finley's baseball tournament, coached by Peter, all on the 20th. I also got to see Sophia, who is officially a teenager, all dressed up to go to her friend's Bat Mitzvah. I was too tired to write to you and I knew you would understand. And you did.

Do you know that there are dozens of young people leaving footprints all over the world in your name? Of course you do and I'll bet you help keep them safe. They are called Michael Brownstein Gap Year Fellows. Your dear friends, Scott and Anna have been on board since the beginning and work with Harvard Westlake, where our endowment fund has grown under the investment expertise supervised by your teacher, coach and friend, Rob Levin. Eighteen years ago when we started, Rob said it would go on in perpetuity. That's what I wanted...your name said over and over and never forgotten. 

Now I am realizing I have forgotten names of so many of our Fellows. As I said there are dozens and for the last couple years, they weren't even born yet when we started. I am making a list and refreshing my memory and reliving the wonderful trips taken by these kids all because of you.

I love you forever and ever,

Mommy