You might recall in my recent post on Dan Levi that I joked that I was waiting for the next “small world” connection we would make. Well, Dan forwarded my post to his dad, Ilan Levy, who sent me an e-mail pointing out the following:
In addition to the many connections you made with Dan (Stanford, NJ, Morristown, Santa Barbara, …Free food…) I may have another link to offer: Your last name GEYLING – triggered my memory of a FRANZ GEYLING from Bell Labs. This man, Franz Geyling, was a Department Head at the Whippany Labs and also a “specialist recruiter” for Bell Labs at Stanford. [“Specialist recruiting” meant the targeted recruitment of MS and Ph.D. candidates in specific specialties that Bell Labs needed.] He recruited me in 1969 to join Bell Labs in Whippany where I started a very satisfying 27-year-long career. I owe him a debt of gratitude for this pivotal “first real job” that lasted 27 years.
The connections just keep on coming. Yes, this is my dad, who also happened to recruit me for my first job. Isn’t it a long driveway, Ilan? How long did it take you to shovel the snow off it? Oh wait, as you used descriptors of “satisfying” and “gratitude” maybe he recruited you for a different job.
Over the past few months several friends have pointed out that, while this is a journey we never would have chose, there are unique discoveries and richness to be found. I am so thankful for everyone directly involved in Rudy’s care, but smile that it gives me another reason to be grateful for my dad. Thanks, Dad!
Rudy's Beat 
The threads in Rudy’s tapestry just keep getting longer and more colorful! Thanks, Rolf, for sharing…Thank you, Father, for planning the journey way ahead of our time!
OK. I am a faithful reader and have been praying for Rudy before his birth, but today, I had to respond!
Your writings are compelling. I think at the very least a brochure on the wisdom you have gained through your experiences may be appropriate for other parents in your same place. You have certainly gained patience as well as expectant hope in the Lord. How I admire you both. It is a joy getting to know you better through your blog. I regret that it is due to Rudy’s desperate needs. What a trooper he is. Your children and parents are beyond supportive. Their personal sacrifices are a gift to this baby which I hope he will be blessed to remember.
NJ?? I lived in Plainfield, not far from Morristown for 9 years. My Dad worked in New Brunswick 1956-1965,for the Boy Scouts of Amercia. My Mom was a telephone operator at Bell Labs for a short time as well . It was NOT her thing!!! I went bqck for my 40th high school reunion in 2006 and had a great time revisiting familiar places and faces all of which had changed dramatically.
I am praying Rudy will be breathing on his own tomorrow! Go Rudy Go!
God’s blessings on you all.
Kitty Larsen, SBRM Womens Auxilary