WITH ADMIRATION AND LOVE

To the editor:

Our paths crossed on the sand at Wauwinet beach. Jim and Margaretta were honeymooning in the cottage of our good friends the Klausmeyers, Ruth and Robert, who had asked us to introduce ourselves. We bonded immediately and soon after started having dinners together and small parties with talented and stimulating people from all walks of life- at their home and at ours in Wauwinet- with gratifying discussions of theatre- music- art- dance- politics - travel and acting- the world- and life itself. Then the surprise climax!

Richard Cary cast me as Miss Daisy and Jim as Hoke for the Actors Theatre production of "Driving Miss Daisy." Acting with Jim was perfection! He always was honest- always believable- always filled with energy--and could be so tender--and had such a sense of humor! He made me laugh- he made me cry. He helped me understand Miss Daisy's feelings about racial differences (I had been raised to believe all colors, religions and sexes were equal). Our audiences responded with applause and bravos.

Then Susan Classen, producer and director of the Invisible Theatre in Tucson, Arizona, where I had been playing each winter, chose to present "Driving Miss Daisy" and asked Jim to play Hoke there with me! Audiences praised the production and the dynamic chemistry between us. And all of our friends became friends with Jim. They still ask me about his latest achievements and ask to be remembered by him. Jim was very happy in Tucson and eager to bring Margaretta back to see the beauty of Arizona and to meet his new friends. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Margaretta's health challenges began and they organized their lives to face it with courage, to continue to treasure each day and conserve their energy so that she could continue weaving and Jim could remain in theatre and their time with their daughter would not be lessened.

We remember Anita's birth- their joy- her beauty even then. We watched her grow into adulthood- always appreciative of her parents' love, their respect for the world and for all people, their encouragement to find the work you honestly believe makes you glad to be alive and in some way helps others.

We treasure the pieces of Margaretta's weaving which brighten our home just as she brightened the lives of her family and of all the persons she met. Jim and I frequently discussed our feelings about death. We hoped we would be able, while living, to continue bringing enlightenment and pleasure with our acting. And we hoped we would enter that "new theatre"- unknown to mortals- with courage and anticipation. And that our family and friends would say "well done!" and celebrate our past roles and our new one. So, Jim, until we meet again- my thanks - with admiration and love.

- Jetti Ames