But far more important for Bonnie and me, Steve had become "Steve and Jackie." Our long-time friends. A few more fragments over the years. We recall:
Emandal farm in Mendocino with friends and growing families; 4th of July firecrackers on Parkside; driving the girls to soccer -- "disappearing" as drivers and hearing frighteningly honest and hilarious conversations in the back seat among various mixes of Alicia, Emily, Katy, Julia and others. More naturally than most of us, Steve was always accepted by the kids -- was always able to be there and yet not intrude. As more than a few have noted, he was one of them. He was not judgmental. He was fascinated by them and fascinating for them. Steve somehow "customized" his relationships with his own wonderful children -- and all of ours, too. He was liked and trusted by all.
New Year's Eves with Steve, Jackie and other friends, talking and eating -- as one can only eat at Steve and Jackie's. Settling in to a movie to get us to midnight. Finding it increasingly difficult to get to midnight. Decades of going together with Steve and Jackie to the Berkeley Repertory Theater. Sometimes -- well -- I'd say, many times, not making it past "half-time." Walks around that wonderful house in Kenwood. Talking about how things were going with our families, ourselves, the world. Interesting, warm, comfortable friendships.
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