October 24, 2026
To: Regan Brown, Hammond, NY
From: Stephen Brown, Atlanta, GA
Dear Regan,
Yesterday we drove from Winchester, Virginia to Atlanta. The Shenandoah Valley was beautiful with fall colors.
As I drove, highway signs reminded me of some of the battles that happened there over the course of the war. I’ve rushed past these battlefields and monuments countless times, but now have determined that over the next few years I would like to return and learn more about them. I know you have a particular, if not spooky connection to Gettysburg. We should take a trip there together.
At least two of our great-great-grandfathers fought with the Union in the Shenandoah Valley. The portrait of Captain Frederick Schifferdecker hangs in the family cottage at Thousand Island Park…and his rocking chair is at Comfort.
I had always believed that both great-great-grandfathers had marched with Sherman through Georgia. I dove into the research and I was wrong. I’m glad about that.
It was a long 12-hour drive, and at 9 p.m. I finally arrived exhausted, my body shaking. It could have been the drive…or the Starbucks latte and three cans of Celsius. Chris and Erin helped unload the car.
Conor parked the truck and we said our goodbyes, both too beat by the journey to engage in anything beyond, ”that damn traffic on 85,” a nod and a hug.
A long hot shower got me somewhat right and I headed off to bed. Duke, back again in familiar territory, crashed as well. Poor, patient Duke.
This morning, we went for a walk in the small forested areas of Ansley Park, to get “right” and reacquaint ourselves with the city, and Duke with the five million smells. There is something calming about walking through the forest, no phone in hand, just you and the birds, with Duke running free.
I love Atlanta. It’s my home- when I’m not at Comfort.
The trees, some of them massive, have been here for over 100 years. Now, some of the biggest are failing. Atlanta, thankfully, has a robust tree planting program, constantly replacing and planting new. They understand the healing power of trees.
When I was with Jim, we planted hundreds of trees at our house in Maryland and at Comfort. Both places had giant, old trees…but nothing new. No one had thought to plant trees through the years. How sad.
I miss you so much already. Thanks again for all of your help closing up the house. It was invaluable.
Stephen