April | Letter from the Editor

Here’s a list of things that make me smile: Roz Chast cartoons. David Sedaris essays.  My 100-pound labrador. The lefthand column on every skirt! cover. But this month’s theme—women who make us smile – kicked off weeks of brainstorming. My friend, Renee and I sat in the bleachers watching our daughters’ basketball games and tossed out ideas. “Does somebody tell people they’ve won the lottery?” Doubtful. “A fertility clinic nurse?” Her news runs both ways. Then Renee sat up straight, eyes wide, and said “I know! Sarah Stein.” Sarah, it turns out, is an ALS Association patient rep who visits Renee and her husband, Chris, at home, to help guide them through the journey that is Lou Gehrig’s disease. “Sarah always makes me smile!” When I met Sarah, I understood. With her contagious compassion, she delivers hope. It was an honor to meet her and all of our “makes us smile” women. Each one has tapped into their own inner sunshine and, along the way, they connect us with ours. Who did you share a smile with today?

Constance

ccostas@mediageneral.com