NEWS

THANKSGIVING 2003

It is not enough this month to simply provide more Latest News about our Firm.

On the corner of my desk is a news clipping. Not just any clipping. It is the obituary of a former client, Stephen Shacklett. He is described as "a Renaissance man, an adventurous outdoorsman, and a collector of mementos and stories from his worldwide travels." Last month he died at age 54 while trying to flee his home during the fires that ravaged more than 100,000 acres in San Diego County, destroyed more than 2,200 homes and claimed 22 lives.

Television network news and newspapers across the county told only part of the story. Not told is the emotional toil known only to a good business associate who has lost his family home, or families with whom we have friendships who have also lost their homes. Not told are repeated cases of family histories recorded in videos, photo albums and inside Bible covers -- all lost in the flames. And not told are other stories involving people and animals, and ironic twists of fate.

Yet in the clearing of the hue and smoke over America's Finest City, will soon arrive the holiday of Thanksgiving. We are mindful of the words of the poets who write about this holiday. The sincere sentiment of the harvest season has meaning for us all. We appreciate more than ever the autumn colors which are warmly associated with this holiday, and we are thankful for our community's collective human spirit which radiates from the ashes.

None of our employees or their homes were nature's victim. But we are most appreciative of our clients and friends who have contacted us in recent weeks with inquiries of our well-being along with their expressions of concern, and wanting to know how they may assist others with disaster recovery.

To all of you we extend our warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

-- Gordon L. Gerson