What Are You Thinking

Sometimes when I look at Steve I wonder what he is thinking.  And other times I don't wonder: I know.  We have moments of such clarity that it seems like he is back to his old self.  But I'm not sure I would appreciate what an interesting and caring man he is if we hadn't been given the chance to spend a lot of time together. 

I remember in 2010 I found Steve's brother's obituary.  (see below)  I printed it out and went to see him.  Steve didn't talk about his brother much since their mother's funeral.  When I told him about his brother Steve looked at me and said, "I'm alone."  I thought how sad to be the last one left of your childhood family. 

I think that this was a bit of a  turning point for Steve and my relationship.  We didn't need to say anything to understand each other.  He still gives me those looks during quiet moments when we know what the other has to say without saying words.

And no, you are not alone.

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Dr. Mitchell L. Voydat

Posted: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 12:00 am            

Dr. Mitchell L. Voydat of Malibu, a noted academic and educator, died at his home in his sleep on April 30. He was 85.  He served as professor of education at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.  While at UCLA, Voydat's influence was notable in assisting Eunice K. Shriver at the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation in the visit of psychologist Dr. Maria Egg. When Ronald Reagan began his term as governor, Voydat also moved to Sacramento when he was chosen as Bureau Chief to lead California's Elementary and Secondary Education Department. A pioneer in the study of continuation education and a noted expert, he was responsible for setting minimum standards for high school continuation education.

During World War II, Voydat served in the OSS, which later became the CIA. He also served under General Patton in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, helping to build bridges in Central Europe and the Rhineland. Four days before D-Day, Voydat parachuted into France to help set up advanced communications systems for the Allied Forces.
He was born June 2, 1924 in New York. He was awarded numerous certificates for achieving a score of 100 percent on the New York State Regents' Math Exams. He was also awarded an athletic basketball scholarship to the University of Mississippi. Voydat received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and an Ed.D from Columbia University.
He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Laura; six children: Laura Richardson of Camarillo, Mitch Voydat of San Pedro, Brice Nielsen of Santa Barbara, Nina Weisberg (Dave) of Calabasas, Aimee Handal (Doug) of Malibu, Joseph Voydat (Beth) of Tigard Oregon; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.