From --

"It was Florence Blackmun.

"And all the years since have been filled with talk and food and warmth and memories.

"One elegant lady, that Florence Blackmun.

"I look forward to many years more of talk and food and warmth and memories."

-- Steve Eskow

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"My mother is one of my three best friends (the other two are Steve and Ellen). I cherish her company. We share a lot of pleasures -- cooking, reading, shopping, watching movies, listening to music. We talk and laugh and cry and share our lives with each other in a way that we didn't when we were both younger. Living close to each other is a very great blessing for me: I get to know my Mom and her life in ways that would be difficult if we were geographically far apart (as we have been most of our lives). From watching and listen to Mom, I also get to see how I came to be the way I am.

 -- Sarah Blackmun

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"I love you, Mom! And your Web page really reflects a lot of things you've given me -- your love of France (starting with the cave paintings), your love of Chautauqua, your love of reading, your love for travel. You've given me curiosity, a willingness to try new things, and a sense of adventure.

"You've been there when I needed you, even when all you needed to do was just *be* there -- remember that trip you made to Louisville in June, 1986?

"You've taught me to accept others as they are.

"One of the things I'm most grateful to you for is sending me to summer camp all those years. I know this sounds silly! But, I had the opportunity to meet people and make friends with folks that I never would have had the opportunity to know if I hadn't been encouraged by you to do that. People who weren't just like me, who came from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, and life styles.

"Love and big hugs to you, Mom. :)"

-- Ellen Blackmun

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"I don't know this woman! I don't know these people! What are they doing in my TV set????

"All kidding aside...I am one of the newest members of the Blackmun family and have really had the honor of knowing Florence for only a few years (quite strange being the 'baby' of the family until some recent weddings).

"We first met Memorial Day week-end of 1994. She opened her home to me and made me feel welcome, comfortable. She instantly put me at ease.

"Aside from being the mother of Ellen, another thing I treasure about Florence is her wit and keen sense of humor. It's not often I come across people who 'get me' right off the bat.

"On the other hand...while I've never been to Florence, Italy, I have been to Florence, South Carolina."

-- Jim Wolff (son-in-law and court jester)

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"Thank you for the great news regarding your mother. So good to hear that she is much better.... Our continued prayers are with her and all of you as well. I love the Home Page you and she have created. It's quite a feat."

-- David Simmons (Flo's nephew)

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"Aunt Flo's web page is WONDERFUL! Didn't she once work for Elliott Ness? That would be a great conversation piece for her web page, wouldn't it?

"Are you going to spend Thanksgiving with her? If so, give Aunt Flo a BIG HUG from us!"

-- Carol Simmons Hatala and Steve Hatala (niece and husband)

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"Great Web page for Florence. I've added her to my address book...so will be sure to communicate online...as I know that will enlarge her world... important when you're in a new spot.

"Josh and I are enjoying a bright sunshine filled day in NY, Florida plans postponed til Christmas....Just taking it easy this week.

"My love to you guys; pat to Harry, and a scritch behind the ears."

-- Betsy Marean and her son Josh Marean (friends from Sarasota)

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"Wow! Mom's Home Page! What a Wonder and inspiration! "

-- Mickey Griffin (friend of Sarah and Steve)

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"Ever since we met Florence and Ted through the South Hills Interfaith Ministry in Pittsburgh, we have enjoyed Florence's intelligence and sense of humor, and we can always count on her liberal politics! We've always had lively discussions and great food at family gatherings at Christmas in Sarasota and at Chautauqua in the summer. We've always enjoyed her openness and refreshing perspective on life. We admire her taste and have fun looking at the souvenirs of her travels. All the Mertzes feel that Florence is a Great Lady!"

-- The Mertz Family: Mary Lu and Dick, Lisa, Sue, Carrie and Jerry, Cris, Emily, et al.

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