Boots Hartstein

is honored with a Brick from Shirley Glickman.

Boots Hartstein was a hospitable woman in every sense of the word. I admire Boots for the manner in which she lived her life; open to new ideas and especially to new people, it is appropriate that her name contains within it the word "heart."

My memories of Boots are most striking for their demonstrations of her hospitality and graciousness. Newcomers to Wichita were greeted with an open home and a warmth that dissolved their loneliness. Boots, with a sincere and down-to-earth manner, would check on new Wichitans with telephone calls, luncheon and dinner dates, and invitations to feel at home and become a part of the community.

Boots's own home was comfortable and attractive, but she made a point of never being ostentatious. Her motive as a vivacious and relaxed hostess was a love for making others happy, never intimidating them with lavish or showy decoration. Her parties were incredibly successful at bringing together interesting people, and everyone felt welcome in her home.

My admiration for Boots reached its peak after she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Even as she faced death, Boots embraced others. In her final months, she wrote a letter to be read at her funeral, telling how she had lived and loved throughout her life. The love that Boots extended to her community during life continues in this letter and in this brick.

Boots wrote:

"In spite of what has happened to me, I feel extremely fortunate. You know, there is one advantage to knowing you are dying ... you have the opportunity to tell your family and loved ones and friends how much they mean to you and vice versa. Usually those expressions of love and caring come after the funeral, and the deceased never hear it or know it. In my case it has been different. There are no words to thank you all for what you have done for me these past months.

"I hope that while you are here today you are a little sad that I am gone, but I hope that by the time you leave you will be smiling when you think about my great life and what a wonderful 74 years I had.

"My advice to you all: enjoy every possible moment of every day! Time is so precious. God bless you all!"

Boots has touched the lives of so many that the world has become a richer place for her presence. I remember her with love, gratitude and admiration.

Submitted by Shirley Glickman

September 5, 1998