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We Decide to Merge Our Passions (for Books)
Not long after our first shared meal at the River Run restaurant in Plainfield, Dave and I met as planned to attend a literary event at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. Who spoke? No matter, now.
The audience included Chava W., a Jewish professor, scholar, and author. Dave knew her because she attended synagogue services here on her summer vacations. He politely introduced me, and Chava told me the place she worked: Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Intrigued, I added what I consider the Vermont second question (the first is usually “what do you do [for a living]?”). I asked whether she knew my mother’s cousin Alice and her husband Roy Eckardt, professors in the Department of Religion. It seemed unlikely, but hey, around here we know each other for quite a few miles, so why not within one university?
“Of course,” Chava replied. “We’re in the same department. How are you related?”
“Alice’s mother was my grandfather’s sister.”
“Oh! Well, they are healthy and active and make a huge difference.”
Dave cut in, his voice odd: “Your mother’s cousin? Alice and Roy Eckardt?”
“Yes,” I agreed.
He stared. Chava and I waited. When Dave found his voice again, he said, “But I have their books. And I have books that include…
