A golden gift to us

Like so many touched by Clarke Thomas' words and example, we are reflecting on his contribution to the community -- and the world we share ("Clarke M. Thomas: Longtime PG Editorial Writer and Senior Editor," Feb. 23 news obituary).

For us it is personal. Six years ago, we clipped his column "Going for the Gold" and were moved by its message -- essentially not to "take one's marriage for granted." The "gold" of the column referred to Clarke's 50-year marriage with Jean and how the ritual of setting aside one day a month for "the romance of our lives together" had been enriching. For the Thomases that date each month was the 25th -- the 25th of February 1951 when their friendship began and then subsequent 25th dates of their engagement and wedding. Thanks to that column, we adopted the ritual (for us, it's the fifth of the month) and have been sending out the column as a "happy anniversary" greeting to others for years.

We hope those others, like we, will honor Clarke Thomas' inspiring life by celebrating its message: to live fully, to love generously and to share life's gifts in ways that give them meaning.

 

BAYLEE and MARSHALL GORDON
Mt. Lebanon