Hi, everyone. Welcome to Thanks for being here. A short, weekly pod to remind us of the many

essential and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday, I'll read a submission from a

listener of Kelly Corrigan Wonders. Could be wedding vows or about mitzvah toast, a eulogy,

or retirement speech. We believe this is the loveliest way to tap into our better selves,

and remember our highest values. We encourage you to share this podcast each week with one person

you love. Maybe someone you miss or need to bring closer. Someone you want to feel your appreciation

or admiration or both. This is Thanks for being here.

This week's Thanks for being here comes from a woman named Helene Perroff. She says, dear Kelly,

as an avid reader and listener of your work, I was touched by your recent request. The attached

eulogy was one my husband, Paul, wrote and read at the service for Charlotte Stokes,

the dearest of family friends who became more like a mother as you'll discover as you read through

Paul's messages. Charlotte was the mother of Paul's college roommate, Chris Stokes. Although

Charlotte died way too many years ago, this eulogy continues to bring images of her, Paul's relationship

and ultimately our family's relationship with her. She is still sorely missed, most sincerely,

Helene. So this is a series of letters and notes that a man named Paul Perroff wrote for a woman

named Charlotte Stokes, who was eventually like a mother to him.

Dear Mrs. Stokes, I just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks again for the warm socks you

and Dell gave me for Christmas. With this blizzard of 1977, my feet sure appreciate them.

I also wanted to thank you for making room for me at your table for dinner. I'm still not sure

who all those people were, but the mix made for some wonderful conversation. I'm a long way from

my regular family, but I sure felt at home with you and yours, sincerely Paul Perroff.

Dear Charlotte, thanks for dinner the other night. I sure appreciated the hot meal.

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