Readers respond

The following is a post card I will never receive again.

Dear Anne:

I am visiting here near Boston, with Tim and the boys. Having a grand

time taking in the sights of New England. September seems to be the

perfect time to visit. I hope to see you at the next Long Beach State

retired staff lunch. We can catch up on the latest. Might bring along one

of my watercolors.

Love, Dorothy

I met Dorothy de Araujo in 1983 at Long Beach State, where she worked

part-time while I was a full-time staff member in the School of Business.

I was also pursuing my “late bloomer” bachelor’s degree. When I

graduated, Dorothy rushed into my office and presented me with one of her

handcrafted cards, which I still have. She declared that I inspired her

to seek her own fine arts degree. She was 64, six years my senior. She

earned her degree at age 72.

On Sept. 11, 2001, she was 81, and was on United Airlines flight 175

returning to her home in Long Beach.

To me, Dorothy lives on because whomever she touched, however briefly,

her artistic sparkle and enthusiasm, and her personal generosity endure

as will her many beautifully craftedwatercolors.

Am I personally asking that the fates reciprocate in kind against the

beasts who cut Dorothy down? You can bet on it.

Anne J. Spiegel

Huntington Beach