Penny & Larry Deitch

Dear Carol and Bob--

Happy Birthday! How do we begin to collect and recall all that we've shared over 40 years? We're not up to creating a Cohen/Deutsch memory book or poem or skit or musical or operetta, so we have no choice but to just let it flow. Of course it all began at Michigan, with Mary Markley Hall and Sigma Alpha Mu providing the bases for our friendship. The remarkable and wonderful thing is that it didn't just fade into the collegiate sunset when we left Ann Arbor. We are so proud and happy that we have stayed close through so many phases of our lives, and that we are able to share our 60th birthdays now.

Here we go: Meeting you guys at Markley, very early freshman year, a couple of out-of-state girls encountering all these Michigan folks. Carol, those long talks sitting on the floor in the dorm hallway; I was trying to conduct a conversation, but transfixed by your cosmetic-removing routine. Helping Carol shop for and survive the first Michigan winter...and helping Carol shop for the next 4 years! Bob, Carol, Penny, Mark, etc., etc., hanging out in the Markley cafeteria and study halls...surely not studying. Then, Larry and Bobby as Sammies..classic fraternity life?...Roommates all once again on Forest Court and neighboring apts. As we shared last month at Larry's big birthday, you guys were critical to the first (and only) surprise party for a Larry Deitch milestone birthday: without Bob's intervention, there would have been no guest of honor. Other great parties include dinner at Penny's apartment on Hill Street, and our graduation lunc heon on Forest Court.

And then that Law School era vacation in Montreal and Quebec City...in December! Who else would have agreed to a trip to that climate to spend time with a friend with sun allergies? But, we made up for it over the course of many years with various trips to in-laws' Florida vacation homes, your homes in Atlanta, Asheville, Hendersonville, Hilton Head, and ours in Sarasota. Also the Rose Bowl. Vacation bonus: membership in Bob's Adventure Club...truth be told now: we really hated that sea kayaking in Hilton Head. But, Billy loved hanging out with you (especially since Bob was paddling.)

Things do truly "come around." How wonderful to be able to re-group when Robin and Andy came to UM...especially with Robin as Leslie's Tri Delt Big Sis. Sarah ending up at Harvard Law School, and Penny having the pleasure of mentoring Robin. Going through life's challenges together also. And, the life cycle events: the passing of parents...and the coming of age of our children, a couple of weddings already.

So here we are, so many years later. Still friends, working together, spending time, staying connected. We love you and cherish our friendship all the more after 40 years. Happy Birthday.

Love,
Penny and Larry