What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. It really warmed my heart to read how he was such a champion of you and your career aspirations. You look so much like him. Seeing him in these photos with his jeans and baseball cap is the opposite of he looked so many years ago when he wore nothing but the most expensive clothing. In fact, I remember like yesterday your Mom having a suit made for your Dad. It was a birthday surprise I think, but she knew that your Dad would have to be fitted for this hand tailored suit. The fabric was black pinstripes in a fine suiting wool. I was at the tailors when Robin brought your Dad for his fitting, and he looked truly smashing in it! He was really touched at her gesture, then proceeded to direct the tailor to get just the right fit! I remember your Dad as a shrewd bargainer indeed.

I am so happy to visit your website for the first time. The last time I saw you was when you were about 6 or 7 years old, and you were living in I believe Barrington, IL with your family. I went to Chicago Musical College (CMC) with your mother Robin. We began our studies in the same year – she a violin major and me a cello major. Your mom was always such a beauty and so nice to be around. I knew her as Robin Goodman, and remember when she first met Bob and married him. Your Dad was very tall and handsome, and possessed a strong, smart personality. He had a lot of gusto!

I love your photos, and I had to really laugh when you mention the onion and sausage sandwiches. After your mom and Bob married, they lived in a two flat on N. Leavitt Street in Chicago, and remember your Dad walking in with a HUGE bag of big Spanish onions and some kind of sausages. He was talking about these sandwiches that were supposed to be very good, Serbian style, and proceeded to make one for me. The experience was a pungent one to be sure!.

What a chuckle it gave me to read your recollections about family trips. I remember just before you were born how Robin was searching for just the right name for you. I also remember your brother Daniel as a very little kid, and a spitting image of you Dad, but in miniature! Robin, our other friend Kathy Thon Lester, and I used to go to second hand stores to buy old clothes. Your Mom was always so beautiful, and could have worn old rags and stil looked beautiful. I am in touch with her on Facebook, and she told me all about you and your career, which is how I found you here. You look so much like your Dad, but I also see Robin in you too.

Here’s one funny story about your Dad. I was waiting for a bus on State Street on a hot summer day back in 1975 or 76 (I think). As I was waiting in this crowd of people I heard a car horn honking incessantly, and when I looked up, it was your Dad driving this HUMONGOUS white convertable with the top down! How he spotted me in this crowd of people I’ll never know, but he asked if I wanted a lift just as the light turned red, so I hopped in and sailed up State Street and North Michigan Ave in great style and flair with this very handsome, dark haired guy in a white suit at the wheel – much better than sitting on a CTA bus to be sure! Your Dad was quite an unforgettable chap as you well know. I was saddened to hear that he had passed away, but happy to know that you all remained close to him even after your parents split up.

Well, I’ve written a lot here, but I just had to say these things. You are quite a beautiful woman now, and quite successful in your own right. Your mom is very proud of you, and I’m happy to have the chance to see you all grown up and happy. Take care and be well!

Elaine Mack