The year was 1979. The place was Tucson, Arizona. I was a 19 year old CNA hired to care for Mr Samuel and Mrs Esther Gitlow. A wealthy couple from Spring Valley, New York. They wintered Tucson in a small apartment and although they could have afforded more extravagance, simple was what they were comfortable in. Mrs. Gitlow said they started coming there in the 60s due to her asthma and although her daughters wanted them to move it was their "other home" I write this story because as I age I look back over my life and think of people that played a role in it. I just adored this couple. I remember they were the same age as "George Burns" (that is what Mr. Gitlow would say) Mr. Gitlow would give me life advice and tell me ""You cant depend on living on Social Security. Put money away from every check you make. Even if it is only a dollar to begin with". Everyday I came Mrs. Gitlow would brighten up with a giant smile. She said I was like having one of her grandchildren come to visit. They both loved all children and especially their grandchildren. Their smiles went a mile wide if a child walked into their house. They kept a kosher home and I learned to cook seperating the meat and dairy meals and disheware. She was very good at making chicken soup and fish. I was their caregiver, but when I called in sick she wanted to take the bus and rush over to me with soup! I spent the summer with them 5 days a week before moving off to college in Northern Arizona. I went on to become a RN.( my mother and Mr. Gitlows recommendtion) The Gitlows told me so many stories of their lives. Mr Gitlow told me about pushing a cart to sell brooms and saving enough miney to buy a wagon so he could take in wash. It started the business he created. He would walk everyday and told me " I know right now all you know is being young" Do you think I would ever believe I would be old like this" He began a lot of his advice like that. They helped people that were poor. They helped the people that were their neighbors. They and their children gave me sweet gifts. They were a true proud story of growing up in the city of New York and becoming an American dream. I loved and honored this couple so much. I am glad they touched my life. I want all of the descendants who didnt know them to read this and know they came from 2 great American people. Sincerely, Diane Johnson
