Some memories from Brazil

My husband and I were introduced to Josh by Beate, his friend. That was a long time ago. We became friends and every time we would visit NY, Josh was on our priority list.

After the 9/11 disaster, I remember trying to contact Josh, once I saw on TV that NY was closed from 14th St. down. What an agony not to be able to reach our NY friends those days!

After a healing recess of 5 years, we resumed our trips to NY and were once more welcomed by Josh and his willingness to please his friends from abroad. As we were (I am still!) very fond of good food, our preferred meetings would be around a good restaurant table and a variety of delícias! We always left the choice up to him, and he never disappointed us.

Two remarkable moments: we dined together on the last Presidential Election Day. After the meal in the Village, we went to an Irish pub and celebrated together the announcement of Obama’s victory. When we left the pub, Josh commented how people were happy in the streets, greeting one another almost as if we were in Brazil on a Final World Cup’s Day…

And one funny memory from São Paulo: once he came to a Conference and the first 2 days he was received by the people of the Conference. Then he moved to our home and we took him to a nice restaurant. Out of pure gentileza, only when we left the place he told us that his previous hosts had taken him to the very same restaurant (and this in a city known for the huge amount of choice in terms of food!). We laughed about that for the next many years.
We miss him very much and it’s a part of our past that has died with him.

Josh, enjoy your time wherever you are. When we arrive there, we’ll resume our encounters, OK?

Sonia Labate