Thursday, November 10, 2011

TIME TO BLOG

Remember the song TURN TURN TURN?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ga_M5Zdn4

Everything in its turn, in its time. When the lyrics were put to music perhaps in the 60’s, where was the internet, or lap tops or BLOGS, for that matter. (extraordinary lyrics from Kohellet/Ecclsiastes 3)

Well it is now my turn, my time to Blog. Yes, life is unwinding, for me personally, as it should. No, I don’t think the world is unwinding as it should, but that is not what this blog is about. IT IS ALL ABOUT ME, ME, ME!

By the time I got home from Israel in May, my granddaughter let it be known that she would not play second fiddle to anyone. If her cousin did it, so would she. Well, luckily, she did meet this lovely guy, I met him on several occasions, but she waited for me to get home to Montreal, to announce her engagement. Is this a pattern? My children don’t want me at the engagement party? Now it is 2 such events out of 2. Do they worry that I may put a damper on the engagement? I shall have to do some soul searching – or not.

Summer followed, and my daughter-in-law & 4 wonderful grand kids came to visit. Week-days with her parents in suburbia, and weekends with me in town. We patted each other on the back, more than once, because our relationship was working, even in the absence of Avi,the link. The link was here for the last week only. 4 little kids under the age of 6, first I must say they are adorable, but it is a handful.

Moving right along, I arrived in the Israel 3 weeks ago so I would be over the jet lag in time for the wedding. I am still not over jet lag. How long does it take?

I knew it would be a beautiful wedding. I knew they’d be a beautiful lively couple. I did not know he was a choreographer – by night. What other talents is he hiding? Someone said the venue was California-like, and Hawaii was also suggested. Pick your state – it was special. And it was Israel! You need to be pretty sure that weather will cooperate. They were lucky – you can get rain here in October.

The highlight for me is always the participants. The family and friends who make a special effort to be there with you, and by now, I feel close to many of the kids’ friends, as well.

The siblings and I gave Sheva Brachot, the next night. There I enjoyed the immediate family, and just a couple of special friends. It was the first chance to get to know the new in-laws. Communicating in French was a little difficult, but, by the time we had spent the weekend together the awkwardness fell by the wayside.

Yes, I am surely very enthused about all this, but it certainly isn’t a particularly interesting read.

‘nuff said, until next time!


(I wanted to fiddle with the fonts and formatting but I just cant figure it out now. So I'm posting Bye!)

Monday, May 2, 2011

A Lesson Learned

Whilst in Jerusalem, I was privileged to attend an hazkarah for my friend Anita.


Just a year ago she succumbed to her illness; she was much too young; she was just beginning to enjoy the wonders of an extended family, which was now including her ‘new’ daughters (in-law) and loving granchildren.


I write this because I was so moved by everyone’s recollections of this extraordinary lady. In a truly quiet and modest way she touched so many. In her professional life, I understand she was remarkable, but I came to know her as a caring friend.


I learned from Anita, and this was reinforced at the hazkarah: No matter how great your personal burden, there is always the capacity to give. I was on the receiving end. At the time when Anita was already in poor health, when she could, easily, have thought only of herself, she gave. She visited me in hospital and at home. She called and she emailed.


I have blogged before about the incredible support I received in my time of need. Now as I think back to those dark days, I remember the joy I felt with each gesture of support and friendship. At the time, several friends, including Anita, had their own troubles, and their gifts of support took on extra meaning.


I, therefore, resolve to do better; to call; to visit; to email and to support, even when it may be difficult - IY”H. I hope I have the ability to do this.

Monday, April 11, 2011

GGM

My blog seems to be taking on the characteristics of recording life cycle events. Yes, I have reached the next stage. Last year you read about the engagement and the wedding, now it is a birth - my first great grandchild. A baby boy, born in Toronto of April 9. The very same day his grandfather put in his appearance, 40++ years ago.


I remember it well, but in that year, I had just put away the very last remnant of the Pesach set up. I had procrastinated a few days, but on that Thursday I decided, it had to be done. Sure enough, that night my first son (second child) put in his appearance.


Like his grandfather, this new baby has shown early intelligence. He understood that it would be better to show up early, a few days would be OK, than to push his way into this world on Erev Pesach or during a Seder. My mother, also a spring baby – we were told that she waited, and was born after all the Pesach preparations were ready, just before the Seder, or was it just after? This goes to show, that whenever a new baby is born, before, during, or after, you can spin the event into what it really is: A true blessing! A joyous event!


I have been blessed twice in these last few weeks. Savta13 should have been been rebranded as Savta 15. (But you cant just foist a new brand on your adoring public – imagine if Coca Cola decided to become “‘Delishy’ Drinky” – but I digress!)


My 14th grand child, a boy, arrived in Jan 2009 and now I am at 15. It is Avi, my youngest, who has added these last two to my line up. Born in Israel, Hallel Ziona, number fifteen, came onto the scene just 4 weeks ago. But Savta 13 it will remain.

I am blessed!


A wonderful family festival is upon us, so look around the table and make mental notes of all your blessings. Put it in your memory bank to draw on, in stressful times. Chag Kascher veSameach to all friends & family. Very Happy Holiday to all.