Suddenly, everyone in my family has become a celebrity. Or so it seems. It started with our daughter, Leah, a Labor and Employment attorney in Richmond, VA. She was one of four lawyers interviewed for an article in Virginia Business magazine about a potential federal ban on noncompete agreements. There’s a lot of legalese and pictures of them in the article, but my daughter was selected to pose for the cover. She looks pretty hot in a black, sleeveless top and slim red slacks. Her arms are crossed, and a faint smile dresses her face as if to say, like on those T-shirts and coffee cups, “Go ahead. Underestimate me. That’ll be fun.” One of our friends said she looks “fierce,” meaning strong, independent, and confident. Of course, we ordered several copies of the magazine and had it framed.
Then, our son, Jim, became the first to graduate from Tufts University’s new Master of Science in Technology Management and Leadership program and gave an interview for the department’s website and magazine. In well-crafted prose that makes this author proud, he sings the program’s praises and highlights how it will further his career. There’s a picture of him presenting a team project, one hand raised for emphasis, the other holding a small coffee cup. With his red hair and dimple, he looks like the cute, nerdy professor young coeds get crushes on. He should be compensated for every new student they recruit. Of course, we will blow up the picture and frame it.
Just after Christmas, more family fame. My sister, Nancy, and her husband happened to be walking their dog by Atlanta’s Carter Center on the day Jimmy Carter died and appeared on the NBC Nightly News. It’s no more than five seconds, and you don’t even hear the reporter’s question but can surmise it from the three words my sister utters about the former President: compassion, kindness, decency. She says each word slowly, in a clear, deliberate way. It’s a perfect reminder of the characteristics we once admired and expected in our public figures. Go, Nancy!
On New Year’s Eve, my daughter-in-law, Lyndsey, appeared in an Instagram video of a Cambridge, MA restaurant. She and my son were at Urban Hearth’s five-course wine pairing dinner, and in the video, a waitress is pouring Lyndsey a second class of white wine. She nods appreciatively, apparently pleased with how it brings out the flavor of the celery root crème brulee or ash-roasted badger beet carpaccio. (Yes, those are actual menu items.)
Then, last week, my niece, Luisa, a forensic DNA analyst at Dover Air Force Base, was featured in a magazine devoted to those with her academic background. Luisa’s job is to identify the remains of prisoners of war or those missing in action from as far back as World War II. In addition to DNA identification, staff at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System perform forensic pathology, during which they identify the cause and manner of active service members’ deaths. A fan of British crime shows, I’ve noticed that forensic analysts tend to lean on the edgy side. Luisa is no different with her big glasses, arm tattoos, and nose ring. But she’s also super sweet and highly professional. In the interview, she describes the rewards of bringing closure to families by identifying their loved ones’ remains.
And last but not least (drumroll please), Sophie, the “dog of the month” at Cambridge’s Black Sheep Market. According to my son and daughter-in-law, this is A BIG DEAL. Apparently, Jim had been taking Sophie there every morning for his cup of coffee. The barista always gives Sophie a treat, so she knows how to get there with her eyes closed. But to become “dog of the month,” you not only have to smile and wag your tail appreciatively, but you also must arrive at the right time on the right day when the photographer is there. They went daily for months, varying their arrival and hoping the stars would align. Finally, the New Year brought Sophie her long-sought canine celebrity status.
Janet Stiegler
1/16/2025
Ronnie Pastecki • Feb 3, 2025 at 4:40 pm
Congratulations, Jan, on your families accomplishments. Those 15 minute memories are rightly savored.
Ronnie Pastecki
Sadie Campbell • Feb 3, 2025 at 12:45 pm
You have a talented family, Janet! This essay on your family’s accomplishments is well-written and nicely executed. Very well done! Sadie
Judy Collins • Feb 3, 2025 at 8:43 am
Loved the story! The accomplishments of this family are wonderful! I am proud to be part of this family. I am Jim’s aunt and also his God mother!