I Remember When...: From Janet and Steve

Wedding Reception; July 7, 2005
(Janet and Steve at center)

Our first introduction to Pegs was at Stephen and Jennifer's wedding in New Orleans, where she navigated an inundation of family (and of Lee's wit) with total aplomb. Our second meeting was at her own wedding in Paris, where she navigated another inundation of family with even more astounding aplomb. Her quiet equanimity centered the storm, and the image of her at the altar with Lee (smiling him through the rituals of the Greek Orthodox ceremony) is unforgettable.

Las Vegas; July 2010

But beyond those memories are those of a mother completely devoted to her daughter, not as a copy of herself but as a female whose independent spirit should be coached but not coddled. Dressing Sofia in the most preciously feminine clothes, Pegs nonetheless encouraged her strength of spirit and the importance of order. How well I remember the picture-posing in Las Vegas for Nanya's ninetieth birthday when Derek set up the camera for the "line-up." Next to Pegs, who was holding Sofia, I commented on how completely adorable she was to which Pegs replied, "Yes, but it just makes the disciplining that much more difficult." At that moment, of course, Sofia tilted back her head to hug her mother, who melted immediately.

Costa Rice; March 2011

Then there was Costa Rica for Vanessa and Paul's wedding when Sofia's first comment to me was "I'm just a kid." Eventually realizing that the prompt was my longer ponytail, I related the story to Pegs, who marveled as well at Sofia's lovely curls as she brought in the perfect shell for her to bear the rings. The look on Pegs' and Lee's faces as Sofia floated down that grassy aisle is forever imprinted in our memory.

Already, Sofia's gaze reflects the directness of her mother's, a legacy through which Pegs lives on and through which her daughter will triumph. Lee's pride in them both warms our hearts.

All love always,

Janet and Steve