Hannah Jack

and found an envelope with his stationery inside. It was the kindest, most meaningful gesture that meant everything to me at that time. I showed it to my mom but no one else. Part of me felt that if anyone else knew about it, it would become less special.

I’ve held onto that superstition ever since. Fifteen years later, I wrote to Mr. Sondheim again. And again, he wrote back. His letters are and will always be two of my most cherished possessions. I’m sobbing rereading them now. The impact that Sondheim’s words,

music, shows, and generosity have had on my life is immeasurable. The first show I directed was Into the Woods. I became friends with my husband working on Merrily. I walked down the aisle to “You Must Meet My Wife.” Sondheim has revived me at my lowest ebbs

and brought me so many of my favorite memories. And I know I’m not alone in that feeling (no one is alone, as a man so wisely wrote). For now, I’m just sad, looking around my office at all the images of him - including this rare snapshot from a local photographer of a young Steve