paulgoldstein.org

Tick Tock

2011-12-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

The hours go by
As we breathe, blink, sleep, cry
The clock counts the minutes

The days go by
Working, driving, walking, laughing
The clock counts the hours

The months go by
As we make decisions about life
The clock counts the days

The years go by
Without you
Without you
Without you
Without you
The clock counts my tears

A Poem of Dreams for Paul Goldstein on this his 53rd Birthday June 2011, by Sue

2011-06-12T07:56:00.002-04:00

I dreamed a dream of long ago
Of after High School days and schemes
Of Crimson Roses, and Candle Light
Of Marshmallows freshly toasted

I dreamed of Birthday Cakes
For Relatives or Friends
Of magic afternoon delights
Eating Ice Cream, Vanilla white

Soft Velvety from Dairy Queen
Like the Love you shared with all
I wish you a Blessed Birthday
My friend, our one and only Paul

Now to sleep and dream again
And wake up to tomorrow
With trust and faith and
The Good Cheer you gave

As you said good bye with
Your eyebrows raised
In one final breath
Heaven holds you in it's arms

I shall never forget.

Be Well, my friend, and carry on the wings of Angels. Sing songs to Stephanie and Alice so they can hear them in the wind. I know I shall see you again someday, but for now God has borrowed you from us, until we meet again.

Love, Sue

Happy Birthday

2011-06-10T21:03:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday Paul. Alec told me today that he wants to watch The Holy Grail this weekend with me. Python films will always remind me of you, and the fun times we had watching them, quoting them, and sometimes..... LIVING THEM. I'll have a bowl of no-sugar-added Moose Tracks in your honor while we watch. Now, off to find a shrubbery.

The Quilt

2011-01-18T15:52:00.003-05:00

Jill is making a quilt to be raffled off at the Relay this year, and needs your assistance. First off, we need fabric donations, as this can run into a lot of dollars. With Marti's assistance, we have picked a general type and color of fabric. This picture is an example of what we are looking for.

This doesn't mean you need to buy EXACTLY these pieces, but something similar would be fine. If you need assistance, or would like to donate fabric, please contact Marti through Facebook, or at SMLeete(at)Gmail(dot)com, or Jill through Facebook, or at Jill(at)ThreadsByJill(dot)com, or email the event at Relay2011(at)PaulGoldstein(dot)org.

Rice Salad Again!

2011-01-18T15:24:00.002-05:00

The Relay is coming again on May 21. For those of you who do not know the story behind the name "Rice Salad" here's the story:

Paul had requested that we have a get-together after he was gone, to remember him, and to make it an up-beat event, not a sad one. With everyone's help, we managed to put it all together in a great space donated by Bard College for the occasion. There was food, and music, and a slide show, and more food, and great guests, and, oh... MORE FOOD.

The famous rice salad was a crazy coincidence of the evening. My mother used to make a cold salad with rice and peas years ago. I actually never ate much of it, due to my dislike of peas (ick!) but everyone else seemed to love it. The only ingredients I could remember were rice, peas, and mayonnaise. Alice had mentioned that we should have it because it was something Paul liked to make for parties, but didn't know the recipe. I explained to her that it was something that my mother made when we were kids, and Paul must have continued the tradition. Marti then informed me that she had been looking for a rice salad recipe without even knowing any of the tradition! Neither Stephanie, nor my mother knew the recipe, and at mom's suggestion I called around the family and found that no one else had it either. So much for that one. We decided that we could try to re-create it from research, until the Thursday before the get-together when I got an email form Paul's friend Sue. Sue listed several things that she was bringing including Paul's Famous Rice Salad. Somebody wanted us to have that salad!

A Poem in Remembrance of Paul Goldstein 2010 by Sue

2010-12-22T14:26:00.010-05:00

A Poem in Remembrance of Paul Goldstein 2010

by Sue

A Penny Found on the Ground dated 1975

The year I met you on the phone,

When, ‘MODENT’ was new and alive.

I Found an Invoice, in a Jar of Dreams You sent to me in Maine

It says to write down all my Dreams

And keep them in my Heart,

I’ll keep it there in the Jar,

Or, perhaps I’ll put it in a frame

It matters not what I do

For without you life has not been the same

The recipe for Rice Salad

Remains in lettered Red

Because that was the only pen

I had as I copied what you said

A Penny found on the Ground dated 2007

The year you left the Earth for Heaven

To Join the Songs of Angels

Dear Paul...

2010-12-22T09:54:00.003-05:00

Dear Paul,

Things are a bit hectic this year. Moving again, although this time a bit unexpected. I think you'd like the new place. Reminds me a little of Salt Point, without the crazy landlord though we hope. Mom is still in Latham, and doing OK. We had a big Thanksgiving get-together at the Desmond with her, although I think you already know that. The heart-shaped potato on her plate was a nice touch. You must be so proud of Stephanie. The rest of the kids are doing well. All the girls are all either in, or finished with college, and I'm sure Alec will end up there too. Say hi to Dad, the grandparents, and everyone else. I think maybe tonight we'll whip up a batch of coffee-pot mac-n-cheese, some pudding, and watch Murder By Death. I'll leave a chair for you.

Happy Birthday!

2010-06-10T08:56:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday to my brother Paul, who is 52 today. I think, now that I've mastered the art of low-carb cake baking, I will make a small one tonight in his honor. Enjoy!

Welcome Home Mom!

2010-05-24T10:08:00.003-04:00

This past Thursday Lee and I flew out to Carlsbad, CA to get Mom ready for the journey home to New York, which occurred Saturday night. She is now back in New York, and seemed to make the journey OK. Some strange happenings on the way there got me thinking about Paul again.

Lee booked the flights for us. Since I was bringing mom home on the red-eye Saturday night, he booked a non stop for me from Newark, and a one way for her sitting next to me on the return trip. His fight didn't need to be non stop, and he would usually rather leave from Stewart or Albany for convenience sake. Here, now is a list of some rather amazing coincidences that followed:

--Lee's flight from Stewart ended up changing planes in Newark, onto the SAME FLIGHT I was on.

--I knew when we booked the separate flights that Lee was sitting a few rows away from me, but didn't remember exactly where. We were both stuck in middle seats too, as that was all that was left at booking time. I checked in online the night before, and quickly grabbed an aisle seat that wasn't available when we booked. It ended up being the seat NEXT TO LEE.

--The flight was full. They even announced that, so that people knew to conserve space in the overheads. When the plane finally finished boarding there was one empty seat from a no-show: THE WINDOW SEAT NEXT TO LEE.

Once again, I'm not usually much for spirits and the like, but I would like to believe that he was either there with us, or somehow made sure that we had a more comfortable ride than we would have. Thank you Paul, either way, and although I'm sure if you're capable of watching us you already know this: Mom is home, and safe with the rest of us. Say hi to dad, and could we manage an "accidental" first-class upgrade the next time we travel?

2009-12-22T22:16:00.002-05:00

It would have been a holiday season of Monty Python jokes and at least one showing of "Murder by Death". Sausage or Taylor Pork Roll for breakfast, and a coffee pot full of mac-n-cheese for lunch. Dinner? Maybe a pork roast, or out to Charlie Brown's. At least one car mishap, hopefully not a flaming Taurus in a WalMart lot, or having to make a window out of a table protector. I have these things to remind me of the good times, and how you always managed to get the humor out of the bad times.

I hope they have a huge movie library wherever you are, and unlimited internet. Miss you Paul.

Remembrance (From Sue)

2009-12-22T13:04:00.003-05:00

REMEMBRANCE

I paused at the window this morning

On this the twenty second day of December

And took pause as the dawn

Lifted the sun silently over the horizon

I greeted the morning with coffee in hand

Said a prayer & remembered

On this day two years had past

Since I had seen my friend Paul, the last

He's somewhere over the rainbow

He's where dreams come true

He's with all who have come before

Waiting for those yet to travel afar

He greets the mornings with sunrises

He can see more than he could ever imagine

He's fascinated by all he walks by

He finds eternity amazing

He loved whom he loved with a heart of gold

He gave of his heart to the young and the old

Now at this Christmas, his favorite time of year

He has his father with him to toast good cheer

I paused at the window this morning

On this twenty second day of December

And took pause as the dawn

Lifted silently over the horizon

A toast to the life of one well lived

With humor, and grace and love

He will today and forever more be remembered

On this the twenty second day of December

Sue

Another Dream

2009-12-21T16:33:00.004-05:00

Paul visited me in my sleep again. This time, I was driving a van on the New York State Thruway. I had somehow crawled into the back and fallen asleep. I can remember waking every now and then thinking how is the van still driving? Is the road that straight? Finally I got up and sat in the passenger seat, marveling at the steering wheel and everything else being controlled by some invisible force. "Who is there"? I asked. "Paul is that you"? Nothing happened, and I looked back at the road, but when I looked at the drivers seat again, He was there. "Why couldn't I see you before?" I asked. He replied "You can't see me until you identify me by name". He told me he saw me fall asleep and took over driving so I would be safe. Thank you for watching over me Paul. (Photo: Nelson D. Flickr)

Birthday Wishes From Lee

2009-06-10T21:24:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Paul. I always found it neat that when you would have the June 10 birthday for 2 1/2 weeks we were the same age. Even after many years it was always something I looked forward to that made those 19 days different than the other 346. It's the small things that I miss most; a comment, a gesture, an expression.

Lee

June 10th, 2009

2009-06-10T09:59:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to my brother Paul, who would have been 51 today. Special thanks to Marti and Amy for delivering a small gift to him. Something he always cherished; his Jello Pudding. I know he would appreciate both the thought, and the humor, as that was the way Paul lived. A man of thought, and laughs. We will keep thinking and laughing in your absence, although I'm finding it hard to laugh today. Miss you

Remembering

2008-12-22T13:24:00.003-05:00

It's been a year. Hard to accept that an entire year has gone by without Paul in my life. I think, like everyone I've talked to, the memories come in little bursts when we are doing something that we would have shared with him. I don't know how many times during the last year I've seen something while walking in Manhattan, or shared a funny story with the kids, or logged another "missing letter sign" into the collection and the first person I've wanted to share it with was Paul.

I always shared a bizarre sense of humor with him, and thanks to Amy, Alec, Steph, and Davey, there is still an endless flow of the bizarre. I know he would have been a big fan of Representative Alvin Holmes of the Alabama Legislature and his commentary on a beer bill. Every time we quote the man, I imagine Paul would have used the phrase "what's wrong with the....." along with the rest of us that can't stop laughing at this. He would have fallen victim to the awful 80's - lyrics status updates on Facebook that we've fallen into. He would have laughed hysterically at all of the Rod Blagojevich jokes. And on the serious side, he would be very proud of Stephanie, Alice, and Davey for being strong and moving on, and of his nieces and nephews, grandkids, and the rest of us who missed him at the Thanksgiving table this year.

I've never been much of a spiritual person, or believed in spirits and ghosts, but I feel he's around sometimes. Like the dream I wrote about on here, or those times when I just know he's messing with me, hiding things and revealing them, or steering me towards the insanely funny. I know I'm not alone in this.

So, let's all remember this holiday season that Paul would bring laughter, and insight, and great stories. Let's honor him by telling stories, and keeping the memory alive. So much to tell. So much to remember.

Happy holidays to you all.
--Neil

Dreams....

2008-10-15T15:33:00.002-04:00

Those who know me well have not heard me talk about dreams much. This is because I don't remember them. Once in a great while I have a dream that I do remember. Usually some bizarre image of a place I have either been, or dreamed of before back when I did remember them.

Last night I had a very vivid dream about Paul. He came to me to tell me that he was OK, and enjoying the afterlife. He wanted me to know that there really was an afterlife, and that he enjoyed it, even though it was, as he said "a lot of work".

Paul showed me the afterlife on a computer (typical). It was, he said, like a never ending simulation game. They lived out endless scenarios and events, repeating and refining wherever they liked. There was even a little animated Paul on the screen when he explained this.

I hope that this in someway is coming from him. I know it's over-the-top-crazy, but somehow fitting for Paul. And, fitting for my dreams I guess.

To Paul, From Sue:

2008-06-10T09:42:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to my friend Paul Goldstein who would have been 50 years old tomorrow, June 10, 2008. I am sure you would have celebrated with a big party and some luscious cake, and told stories that would make people laugh. I know the Angels are singing to you now, but I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday on your Journey. I miss you, your family misses you and you have left a treasure in a beautiful young woman named Stephanie, whom I know you were and always will be proud. She is an amazing person and will continue to carry you in her heart along with your lovely wife Alice, for always.I'll be blowing bubbles outside tomorrow and sending them up to Heaven for you. Catch a couple for me and enjoy. Happy Birthday my friend.As always, your friend, Sue

Pictures from Bard!

2008-01-28T18:37:00.000-05:00

Here's some pictures from the Get-together. Click on the photo below to see them.

Pauls Get-Together

Thanks again to all of you!

Report From Annandale

2008-01-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

Saturday went very well. They key word was FOOD !! We had lots of it. Some of the food was from old family recipes. Stephanie made our famous sour cream apple pie, and somehow managed to make it even better. The famous rice salad was a crazy coincidence of the evening. Alice had mentioned that we should have it, but didn't know the recipe. I explained to her that it was something that my mother made when we were kids, and Paul must have continued the tradition. Marti then informed me that she had been looking for a rice salad recipe with peas without even knowing any of the tradition! Neither Stephanie, nor my mother knew the recipe, and at mom's suggestion I called around the family and found that no one else had it either. So much for that one. Until this past Thursday when I got an email form Paul's friend Sue, telling me that she was bringing Paul's Famous Rice Salad. Somebody wanted us to have that salad! The food was all fantastic, and plentiful. Almost too plentiful. Quite a bit of the leftovers were donated to Bard staff, in thanks for all of their help, and use of the facilities.

For music we played the number one song for each year Paul was with us. 1958 to 2007. I never timed the play list when I first assembled it and we were all very surprised when the last song played as we rolled the last table away and left! The music was accompanied by a great slideshow composed by our niece Jessica. Thank you Jess!! Click here to view the slideshow.

The song list is here

Thanks to everyone who brought food, and accessories. I spoke a few times, to welcome everyone and tell the rice salad story. I also read a Paul story sent in by Mark Anderson. You can read that story here

I will post more stories in the weeks to come, and pictures from Saturday. I encourage all of you to send in any stories that you remember. A day with Paul was frequently an adventure!

The trust fund continues to grow nicely. Thank you all again for the donations.

Yes, Don't worry.... no animals were harmed by stray balloons.. I know people worry about such things.

Get-Together... Directions and Food List

2008-01-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

I will leave this post at the top of the site.

Saturday 1/19 2:00 PM at the Bard College Campus Center
If you are bringing food, or want to help set up, we will have the room at 12:30 PM

Food So-Far:
Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Taco Salad, Turkey, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Cake, Chicken Salad, Empanadas, Vegatables and Dip, Garden Salad, Water Bottles, Iced Tea, Coffee Urns for coffee and hot water, Macaroni & Cheese, "Paul's Famous Rice Salad", Spinach Dip, Asst. Deserts, Soda, Tuna Salad, Meatball Sandwiches

Directions to the Bard Campus Main Entrance:

In New York State, take the Taconic State Parkway to the Red Hook/Route 199 exit, drive west on Route 199 through the village of Red Hook to Route 9G, turn right onto Route 9G, and drive north 1.6 miles.

Or take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19 (Kingston), take Route 209(changes to Route 199 at the Hudson River) over the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge to Route 9G, turn left onto Route 9G and drive north 3.5 miles.

From main college entrance on Route 9G:

Enter College at main entrance. Entrance road ends at Campus Road. Make a right turn onto Campus Road.

Follow Campus road to end at Annandale Road

Left onto Annandale Road.

Follow around to left. Keep going to North Ravine Road. (approx .5 miles)

Right turn onto North Ravine Road (just before Chapel)

Follow road around to left at admissions. Parking is on right (for Campus Center)

The get-together is accross road from parking in the Campus Center.

Call if you get lost

Neil Cell: 917-776-3043 Steph Cell: 845-625-4449
Marti Cell: 845-389-5373 Davey Cell: 845-750-0740
Lee Cell: 914-490-3563

Maps:

Get-Together for Paul Goldstein -- Jan 19th Bard College

2008-01-09T22:01:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

We have set the get-together that Paul wanted us all to have for Saturday, January 19th at Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. This will be pot-luck, although we won't turn anyone away if you can't bring anything. Things will start around 2 PM, but we would ask people bringing food try to get there early to help setup. We have the room available to us from 12:30 until 7PM.

As far as what to bring, well, anything goes! We can use food, desserts, drinks (no alcohol please), snacks, etc. I'm not sure if we will have equipment to heat food or not. I will have to get back to you all on that. Please email, or call and let us know what you are bringing, and I'll post it on the website ( www.paulgoldstein.org ). You can check the website first to see what's already coming. That way we won't end up with 20 pans of lasagna :-)

I will send and post directions to the college once I have details on where the room is on campus. Annandale is just across the river from Kingston. If anyone is coming from far away, there are motels in Kingston, and enough to do to make a weekend of it. Just ask if you need some suggestions. The campus alone is worth a visit. We can pickup commuters at the Poughkeepsie Metro North station, and the Rhinecliff Amtrak station again if necessary. Just let us know and someone will be there.

Let's all try to make this what I think Paul wanted it to be. There will be memorabilia there, but please feel free to bring more if you have any pictures of Paul.

Cards, letters, and donations continue to come in. Thank you all again for your generosity. I hope to see lots of people at Bard on the 19th.

New Years Update

2007-12-30T20:39:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank everyone again for their support. We have received so many cards, letters, and emails. Also, the donations for Stephanie's trust fund have been coming in. I can't thank everyone enough for helping us out with her future.

We laid Paul to rest this past Friday. Due to a strange twist of fate, the burial site was changed less than 24 hours before the ceremony. Well, they say that everything happens for a reason. Paul's final resting place is beautiful, and unique. Raised above the rest of the sites, with a rock wall. There will be a garden with benches right next to him this spring too, when they finish the landscaping.

We are all trying to get back into our regular routines now. Thank you again for the support. Please go to www.paulgoldstein.org for updates, and any good stories we get from Paul's friends and family. Any stories you wish to share can be emailed to: remember@paulgoldstein.org

Take Care

Memorial

2007-12-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

The service went well. Special thanks to all who came. We had about 80 people gather to say farewell to Paul. Extra special thanks to Ed Lindhurst, who spoke about how Paul altered the course of his life. Stephanie and Neil also spoke about Paul. I was thinking of posting the speeches here. Send me your thoughts on that.

We will be starting to plan the get-together at Bard soon. More to follow as the plans come together.

Happy Holidays Everyone.

Contact Email

2007-12-25T07:36:00.000-05:00

All correspondence can be sent to:

remember@paulgoldstein.org

Please send your email address so you are on the mailing list.

Send your Paul stories too!

Thank you all.

Update On Paul

2007-12-23T00:47:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

This is by far one of the hardest things I have ever had to write. My brother Paul, passed away early this morning among family at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He left us very quietly with no visible pain.

Paul fought very hard this past year, but finally succumbed to the cancer. His courage and strength was amazing at the hospital where, a month ago, upon arrival they had told us he may only have a couple of days.

He surprised us all only a couple days ago by regaining consciousness and acknowledging the presence of all of us that sat vigil at his bedside. We have been telling him about all of the emails, cards, letters, and donations to Stephanie's trust fund. Thank you again for your support.

I realize that this is short notice but there will be a memorial service at Temple Emanuel, 243 Albany Avenue in Kingston NY at 3:00 PM tomorrow, Sunday December 23rd. Directions below.

There will be another get-together that I will email everyone with the date and time of soon. One of Paul's wishes was that we have a party (his words) in his honor. We intend to have what we call a celebration of life sometime in the next week or two. This event will be to honor the memory of my brother by all who knew and loved him according to his final wishes. We will most likely be holding the event at Bard College, in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. I will email everyone again as soon as I know more details.

I am also planning on setting up a website where we can reminisce and post stories and pictures about Paul, and check up on our progress with Stephanie's trust fund. More to follow on this, but I have already registered the domain paulgoldstein.org <http://paulgoldstein.org> for this purpose.

Thank you again for giving Paul's fight some special meaning, and giving me a chance to show him how many people love him, and care for him and his family.

Here is a link to a map for the temple: http://www.templeemanuelkingston.org/map.html <http://www.templeemanuelkingston.org/map.html>

From the New York Thruway Traffic Circle in Kingston: Take I-587 (Chandler Drive) till it ends at a traffic light. You want to be in the left lane. Make a left turn onto Albany Avenue. Follow Albany Avenue over a very short bridge/overpass and past the first traffic light. The Temple is on the left side past an Episcopal church.

--
Neil Goldstein