Image at top of page: Sylvia holding her Granny doll. Sylvia's mother, Virginia, lived with hearing loss. She found the doll a fun way to break the ice and meet new friends. 

Home page portrait: Uncle Emil was Max Reinhardt's great uncle. In the 1930's, Emil lived near Munich and would join Max's family near Augsburg for trips to the country. A German Jew, Emil was last seen in 1937.

In 2005, a photo of Emil was discovered among family papers. From the image, Sylvia created the portrait which has since become an award-winning art show favorite and an abiding reminder of the preciousness of life.

Below: Sylvia near her Virginia home enjoying Natural Bridge.