I called John Harrison the day before his 98th birthday. He could not talk to me directly as he is almost deaf. I told him about the hearing device used by Marvin Rauch, furnished by the phone company, which they will look into. John has been virtually chair-ridden as he has a severe balance problem and fell a few times. Up until last year he led a very active life and now he is restricted to reading and television. He has led a great life; too bad about how it is playing out.


Leon Kent reports he is not in good shape. He said he has male nurses around the clock and does not feel up to talking about himself. Sorry, Leon, I will not call again.


Had a long conversation with Ed Reich, my friend going back to 1926. He just had his fifth hole-in-one, and that is just great. He said he always remembers me as an optimist. I find that is an easy choice—who wants to just give up? I find the same upbeat philosophy in my conversations with Irv Sager. This attitude carries him to a very satisfactory life. He feels tomorrow will be better and that’s what happens. Life for him is getting better and better. For all of you who read this, please believe something wonderful will happen to you because it will.


Then I spoke to Marvin Rauch, via the device that enables him to communicate even though he is stone deaf. He also is enjoying his life and looks forward to the next day, when life will continue to get better. We promised to continue communicating with each other via e-mail. We knew each other in public school, a friendship going back 86 years. Old friends are precious. Hang onto them.


The great class of 1935 lives on. 


—Edward Gerson, 2400 Mariposa West 3A, Laguna Woods, CA 92653; (949) 829-8400; ejgerson @webtv.net