Author: Tony Rapoport

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from Julie Jai

Simone – wishing you all the best on your 60th birthday and in the year to come. I have many wonderful memories of the times we spent together as kids. You are still the intimidatingly intelligent, socially aware, creative, fun and independent activist that you were as a child. I look forward to spending more time with the grown-up Simone in the near future. Love and hugs, Julie

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from Cynthia Frantz

Dearest Simone,

So sad that I’m not going to be able to celebrate with you on your birthday. You’ve been on my mind and in my heart these past few days as I reflect on forty years – wow yes 40 years of friendship.

So many memories – dancing with to the Street Band or to Grayson Street way back when in Berkeley days and even back then it seems I recall having deep philosophical conversations about the meaning of life, poetry, art, dance and theater.

And that conversation has continued over the years – during our time in New York City – first as struggling artistes and then as committed students. Later I recall how much your love and support meant to me when I would come west to visit you and my mother.

When I close my eyes and put my hand on my heart I see us at the beach on Cape Cod me with seaweed in my hair – then my mind moves to the Life Cafe in the East Village listening to poets – then we are hiking the fire trail in Berkeley and paying homage to our favorite tree and then you are a mother and sweet precious Sofia arrives.

My hand still on my heart I feel this deep love for all the beauty you have brought into the world what a gift you have been in my life not just for me but also for others. I love your passion and your commitment to justice.

I love laughing with you and knowing that whatever I’m going through you will be there with a listening ear and an open heart.

I wish I could be there in the circle of friends celebrating all the wonders of you!

One of my favorite stories is one you shared with me about your youth how you went hiking in Yosemite and insisted on wearing ballet slippers rather than hiking boots. And that’s how I see you – the dancer on the trail of life with a heartfelt commitment to making the world a better more fair place especially for those whose life circumstances have placed then at a disadvantage.

I love you,

Cynthia


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from Judy Walker

Ah Simone, I knew we were kindred spirits when we met in grade 7. We shared a disdain for the conventional, the dull, the uptight. We were innocent and running free in a still innocent city. We roamed the ravines and wandered  downtown with bare feet and flowers painted on our faces. What a great thing, to have a friend like you at this wonderful time. A time of self discovery, curiosity ,creativity and hilarity.  I remember we read romance magazines, openly mocking but secretly enjoying them (at least I did!). Do you remember spending illicit afternoons in the girls dorm in Sandwich devouring The Valley of the Dolls? And giggling, a lot of giggling. Dancing in the living room on Crescent Rd to the Stones, “she’s a rainbow”, collapsing in uncontrollable giggles.
Grade 9 at SEED, we excelled at lounging in armchairs, picking our split ends and perfecting our surly teenage persona. I grieved when you moved to California, but we did write magnificent detailed letters then. Those times I spent with you and your wonderful family on Crescent Rd., Hillegasse Ave. or in Sandwich helped shape me to be the person I am today. You were my first best friend Simone and I will always treasure our relationship.
I wish you all the love, laughter and joy you deserve going into this next decade of your life. 
We will meet again my friend. Love Judy
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from Melissa Stocking

My dearest darling Simone,
Words cannot express my love and adoration for you. You make me smile and sing and laugh because you are witty and charming and sensitive and kind and smart and the list goes on. I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life for 60 years!

I love you tons and tons.
Love, Melisse
Live the Life You Love!