When we left, not much food was prepared. Out of 6 meals -- we were invited for two, friends prepared one meal, and my sister prepared another -- that left 2 more meals to be prepared by my aspiring chef, i.e. my 12 year old daughter.
We met my neighbor on the way out the door, as we were leaving for the hospital, and I asked my son to mention to her where we were going and if she could stop by to check on my daughter from time to time, to see if she needed any help/advice with the cooking.
We also tried to reach my sister, who would be joining us for the first day of Yom Tov, to see if she could come early to help, given the current situation (that I was going to the hospital, mere hours before the holiday began). We discovered later that my sister, who had prepared everything in advance, was out of town for the day.
When we returned from the hospital, to find the house peaceful and all set up, we assumed that our neighbor and my sister were responsible. They were both quick to inform us that our kids had really done it all. The kids had worked together and made it happen.
In fact, the kids even handled a small crisis (a grease fire in one of the cooking pots) calmly and responsibly.
When push came to shove, there was no pushing and no shoving. Our kids cooperated and helped each other and did what needed to be done.
As we sat down together, to share the first festive meal, we thanked the children for pulling it all together, feeling both proud and extremely grateful.
I felt accutely aware of all the blessings surrounding me: my children, my sister, my husband.
God has blessed me with the greatest gifts of all.
I was tired, I was weak, but I was home with my family.
There is no better way to start the NewYear.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Showing posts with label eldest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eldest. Show all posts
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
School has Started!
My eldest started last Thursday, and my other two started on Sunday.
I got all their school supplies and have almost finished gathering all their school books. Most of the school books we either had or are borrowing from friends. There are still a few that we will have to buy. I still need to ask a friend to actually go and get those for me, but I am waiting to be certain of what we need, so we only have to go to the bookstore once!
So far, everyone seems to be settling in. Even the madhouse morning rush seems to be under control.
My sweet son asked for me to make his lunches for him again, this year.
It is too much for me to do it all year long. But I told him I would make his lunches in the morning for the first week of school, then I would make his lunches *with him* in the evenings during the second week of school. After that, he would have to make his lunches in the evening on his own (though I will help him if he needs/wants it, within reason). He agreed. I am cautiously optimistic that we can make this transition smoothly.... (PLEASE, God!!)
Moshe has been driving the kids to school in the mornings, which is very positive for all around. My son, who mainly rides his bike to and from school, also benefits from this arrangement. My son loads his bike onto the car; Moshe drives him to the top of our hill, which is long and steep; then our son rides the rest of the way to school. It cuts out the worst/hardest part of the bike ride, but still allows our son to benefit from the excersize of bike riding, and the freedom after school to ride wherever he wants.
Our youngest began a new school this year and is feeling more comfortable, with each day that passes. She bravely chose a school that was clearly the best choice for her, but to which NOT ONE of her friends chose to attend. She is excited to be learning with her previous drama teacher (who really is fantastic) and there is even a chance that she will continue learning with her previous English teacher (of whom we are also big fans). So far, her mechanechet (main teacher) and her class seems nice, but it is really too early to tell.
Our eldest is getting used to some of the changes in her school. She loved her mechanechet for 9th and 10th grade, but they get a new mechanechet for 11th and 12th. Her new teacher is actually one of the top women educators in Jerusalem, but I am not sure my daughter appreciates that yet. I, on the other hand, am thrilled (and jealous!). She also has a new math teacher, about which we are less excited, but still cautiously optimistic. Her previous math teacher really suited her, and that is no small feat! Our daughter just need to pass the next two units of her bagrut (matriculation) exams and then she is finished with math classes forever.
The best news is that due to a scheduling conflict between her two majors, theater and art, she might be able to just take the art workshops, which really excite her, and not art history, which interests her, but not as much.
So, our year opens with lots of potential and we pray that we will all make it a good year!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
I got all their school supplies and have almost finished gathering all their school books. Most of the school books we either had or are borrowing from friends. There are still a few that we will have to buy. I still need to ask a friend to actually go and get those for me, but I am waiting to be certain of what we need, so we only have to go to the bookstore once!
So far, everyone seems to be settling in. Even the madhouse morning rush seems to be under control.
My sweet son asked for me to make his lunches for him again, this year.
It is too much for me to do it all year long. But I told him I would make his lunches in the morning for the first week of school, then I would make his lunches *with him* in the evenings during the second week of school. After that, he would have to make his lunches in the evening on his own (though I will help him if he needs/wants it, within reason). He agreed. I am cautiously optimistic that we can make this transition smoothly.... (PLEASE, God!!)
Moshe has been driving the kids to school in the mornings, which is very positive for all around. My son, who mainly rides his bike to and from school, also benefits from this arrangement. My son loads his bike onto the car; Moshe drives him to the top of our hill, which is long and steep; then our son rides the rest of the way to school. It cuts out the worst/hardest part of the bike ride, but still allows our son to benefit from the excersize of bike riding, and the freedom after school to ride wherever he wants.
Our youngest began a new school this year and is feeling more comfortable, with each day that passes. She bravely chose a school that was clearly the best choice for her, but to which NOT ONE of her friends chose to attend. She is excited to be learning with her previous drama teacher (who really is fantastic) and there is even a chance that she will continue learning with her previous English teacher (of whom we are also big fans). So far, her mechanechet (main teacher) and her class seems nice, but it is really too early to tell.
Our eldest is getting used to some of the changes in her school. She loved her mechanechet for 9th and 10th grade, but they get a new mechanechet for 11th and 12th. Her new teacher is actually one of the top women educators in Jerusalem, but I am not sure my daughter appreciates that yet. I, on the other hand, am thrilled (and jealous!). She also has a new math teacher, about which we are less excited, but still cautiously optimistic. Her previous math teacher really suited her, and that is no small feat! Our daughter just need to pass the next two units of her bagrut (matriculation) exams and then she is finished with math classes forever.
The best news is that due to a scheduling conflict between her two majors, theater and art, she might be able to just take the art workshops, which really excite her, and not art history, which interests her, but not as much.
So, our year opens with lots of potential and we pray that we will all make it a good year!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Saving the Day
I have been feeling so week and tired lately. No one knows why.
Everyone promised I would feel rejuvinated after receiving two portions of blood.
I do not.
I am still weak and tired.
I could not move on Monday morning. God made a miracle and gave me enough energy so that I could drag myself to the pool and teach on Monday afternoon.
I would have crashed on Monday night, but Monday was my anniversary, so I went with Moshe, as we do every year, to sit in the garden where we were married. It might not seem exciting, but the experience is quite special to us.
Tuesday morning, I would have loved to sleep in, but I really wanted to attend my art class. I actually dragged myself up and out of the house in time to arrive on time.
I just drove down the hill when my phone rang. My eldest daughter, who is a madricha (counselor/advisor) for B'nei Akiva (youth group) had hosted a sleepover for her chanichot (kids) the night before and had woken up early to take them all swimming in the pool in Tekoa (a neighboring town).
"Ima," she began, in a plaintive voice, "the bus did not stop for us and the next bus is in three hours."
I had already entered the traffic circle at the bottom of the hill. I quickly glanced to my right. There stood my daughter, with her chanichot sitting beside her.
My art class began in ten minutes; I had just enough time to drive there. But my daughter had put in so much time and energy to create a fun program for her chanichot; she had no other way to get to the pool.
What could I do?
I drove around the circle and swung by to pick up my daughter and the girls. "Your chariot," I called to her, with a smile.
My daughter showered me with thanks.
"You owe me, big time!" I informed her, explaining, in detail, what I gave up to save her.
"I will try to be extra good for a month!" she pronounced.
"A month does not cover it," I countered.
"Forever?" she questioned sweetly.
"That's more like it," I responded, "From now on, whenever you step out of line, I am just going to say one word..."
After a dramatic pause, I glanced quickly into her eyes, smiled and said... "Tekoa."
My daughter laughed good naturedly as she realized we just added a new code word to our private lexicon.
I joined in her laughter.
Someone once told me that having a private family language is the litmus test for family cohesion. I am not convinced. Still, I love that our family has our own meanings for various words and phrases! (not to mention new words that our kids created!)
I plan to utilize this word to its full capacity! (and she knows it!)
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Everyone promised I would feel rejuvinated after receiving two portions of blood.
I do not.
I am still weak and tired.
I could not move on Monday morning. God made a miracle and gave me enough energy so that I could drag myself to the pool and teach on Monday afternoon.
I would have crashed on Monday night, but Monday was my anniversary, so I went with Moshe, as we do every year, to sit in the garden where we were married. It might not seem exciting, but the experience is quite special to us.
Tuesday morning, I would have loved to sleep in, but I really wanted to attend my art class. I actually dragged myself up and out of the house in time to arrive on time.
I just drove down the hill when my phone rang. My eldest daughter, who is a madricha (counselor/advisor) for B'nei Akiva (youth group) had hosted a sleepover for her chanichot (kids) the night before and had woken up early to take them all swimming in the pool in Tekoa (a neighboring town).
"Ima," she began, in a plaintive voice, "the bus did not stop for us and the next bus is in three hours."
I had already entered the traffic circle at the bottom of the hill. I quickly glanced to my right. There stood my daughter, with her chanichot sitting beside her.
My art class began in ten minutes; I had just enough time to drive there. But my daughter had put in so much time and energy to create a fun program for her chanichot; she had no other way to get to the pool.
What could I do?
I drove around the circle and swung by to pick up my daughter and the girls. "Your chariot," I called to her, with a smile.
My daughter showered me with thanks.
"You owe me, big time!" I informed her, explaining, in detail, what I gave up to save her.
"I will try to be extra good for a month!" she pronounced.
"A month does not cover it," I countered.
"Forever?" she questioned sweetly.
"That's more like it," I responded, "From now on, whenever you step out of line, I am just going to say one word..."
After a dramatic pause, I glanced quickly into her eyes, smiled and said... "Tekoa."
My daughter laughed good naturedly as she realized we just added a new code word to our private lexicon.
I joined in her laughter.
Someone once told me that having a private family language is the litmus test for family cohesion. I am not convinced. Still, I love that our family has our own meanings for various words and phrases! (not to mention new words that our kids created!)
I plan to utilize this word to its full capacity! (and she knows it!)
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Monday, June 14, 2010
Vegetarian Pregnancy Problem -- What to do When Your Fetus Craves Meat?
I was a strict vegetarian for years. You know, the crazy kind of vegetarian that only religious Jews can be.
"What, that chicken touched this potato? Of course, I cannot eat the potato!"
Well, all that changed when I was pregnant...
In the middle of my first pregnancy, Moshe and I were visiting friends for Shabbat. They served a very simple lunch, including a platter of Israeli cold cuts.
Now, I love deli meat (especially corned beef and pastrami). But, let's face it, the deli meat in Israel is lousy.
The quality of the meat did not deter me. I sat at the table and salivated. I felt as if the earth was about to open up and swallow me (note the Korach connection to last week's parsha) and the only thing that could save me was to eat the cold cuts.
But I was a vegetarian!!
Now, I was not really a fanatical vegetarian. I did not believe that meat eaters were morally inferior. I simply believed that refraining from killing animals was a preferable way to live. I always claimed that if I craved meat, it would be a sign that my body needed the meat.
For years, eating meat was a non-issue.
Then, there I was, craving deli meats.
For an hour, I asked Moshe what I should do. I just wanted him to tell me: "It is okay for you to eat the meat."
God bless my husband, he never tells me what to do.
Always sensitive, he tells me, instead: "It is your choice. Whatever you decide is okay."
NOT THE SAME!!
For an hour (an hour!), I suffered.
Then, I succumbed.
I swore my husband and my friends to secrecy; then I gobbled up the entire plate of cold cuts!
I thought my cravings for chicken would go away after I gave birth, but they did not. Apparently, nursing had the same physical/nutritional effect on my body as being pregnant. I needed meat.
Finally, I decided. If I could face my vegan friend and admit that I was no longer vegetarian, I could cross over to "the dark side."
My friend, who is an ideological vegan, was so supportive. I will forever be grateful to her for not judging me.
It took years for the cravings to end.
It took chemo to make chicken unappealing.
I am not likely to become vegetarian again. I still like good deli and a good all-beef hot dog! But I would rather drink a glass of milk than have a piece of chicken.
Meanwhile, it is part of our family lore, that it is my eldest daughter's fault that I am no longer vegetarian.
All the above is to explain why I was so touched when my eldest daughter called me over yesterday, to "come watch this (episode of Friends), it is all about us!"
The B-plot of the episode is about Phoebe, a strict vegetarian, who is pregnant and.... craves meat.
We watched together and just laughed!!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
"What, that chicken touched this potato? Of course, I cannot eat the potato!"
Well, all that changed when I was pregnant...
In the middle of my first pregnancy, Moshe and I were visiting friends for Shabbat. They served a very simple lunch, including a platter of Israeli cold cuts.
Now, I love deli meat (especially corned beef and pastrami). But, let's face it, the deli meat in Israel is lousy.
The quality of the meat did not deter me. I sat at the table and salivated. I felt as if the earth was about to open up and swallow me (note the Korach connection to last week's parsha) and the only thing that could save me was to eat the cold cuts.
But I was a vegetarian!!
Now, I was not really a fanatical vegetarian. I did not believe that meat eaters were morally inferior. I simply believed that refraining from killing animals was a preferable way to live. I always claimed that if I craved meat, it would be a sign that my body needed the meat.
For years, eating meat was a non-issue.
Then, there I was, craving deli meats.
For an hour, I asked Moshe what I should do. I just wanted him to tell me: "It is okay for you to eat the meat."
God bless my husband, he never tells me what to do.
Always sensitive, he tells me, instead: "It is your choice. Whatever you decide is okay."
NOT THE SAME!!
For an hour (an hour!), I suffered.
Then, I succumbed.
I swore my husband and my friends to secrecy; then I gobbled up the entire plate of cold cuts!
I thought my cravings for chicken would go away after I gave birth, but they did not. Apparently, nursing had the same physical/nutritional effect on my body as being pregnant. I needed meat.
Finally, I decided. If I could face my vegan friend and admit that I was no longer vegetarian, I could cross over to "the dark side."
My friend, who is an ideological vegan, was so supportive. I will forever be grateful to her for not judging me.
It took years for the cravings to end.
It took chemo to make chicken unappealing.
I am not likely to become vegetarian again. I still like good deli and a good all-beef hot dog! But I would rather drink a glass of milk than have a piece of chicken.
Meanwhile, it is part of our family lore, that it is my eldest daughter's fault that I am no longer vegetarian.
All the above is to explain why I was so touched when my eldest daughter called me over yesterday, to "come watch this (episode of Friends), it is all about us!"
The B-plot of the episode is about Phoebe, a strict vegetarian, who is pregnant and.... craves meat.
We watched together and just laughed!!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Where is Your "Happy Place"?
A few nights ago, my eldest and I spent some great time together.
Somehow, we got to talking about our "Happy Places."
I was pleased to discover that she has such a place.
Everyone has their own "Happy Place," where they can escape within their own mind. Not everyone knows how to find it.
My Happy Place is sitting on a small hill, under a willow tree, overlooking a lake, with a small forest off to the left. There is a building to the right that resembles my Jr. High -- it is a long, flat, red brick building. Unlike Jr. High, which I hated, this building represents peacefullness and stability...
Sometimes I am alone in my "Happy Place." Sometimes my husband is with me. Sometimes I am sitting with a friend, whose arm is draped comfortably around my shouder. Every once in a while, I sit there, surrounded by my kids, who are also sitting peacefully.
My Happy Place is a quiet place, where we sit, in silence, and just "be there," enjoying the moment.
(Thanks to my daughter for inspiring this post)
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Somehow, we got to talking about our "Happy Places."
I was pleased to discover that she has such a place.
Everyone has their own "Happy Place," where they can escape within their own mind. Not everyone knows how to find it.
My Happy Place is sitting on a small hill, under a willow tree, overlooking a lake, with a small forest off to the left. There is a building to the right that resembles my Jr. High -- it is a long, flat, red brick building. Unlike Jr. High, which I hated, this building represents peacefullness and stability...
Sometimes I am alone in my "Happy Place." Sometimes my husband is with me. Sometimes I am sitting with a friend, whose arm is draped comfortably around my shouder. Every once in a while, I sit there, surrounded by my kids, who are also sitting peacefully.
My Happy Place is a quiet place, where we sit, in silence, and just "be there," enjoying the moment.
(Thanks to my daughter for inspiring this post)
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
What A Long Strange Day It's Been....
I cannot remember how I started my day....
Oh yeah, a friend came over to do some "shopping" (I'll post more about that later....). She left with a suitcase full of clothes for her younger boys. YAY!!
My son got a late start (no great surprise there -- he was exhausted from yesterday's tiyul). I got a little annoyed about how late he actually got up, but I managed to let my frustration go. I even made him lunch, so he left feeling good that his mother "took care of him." It is such a funny stage -- he wants to be independent, but he also wants to be pampered. Finding the right balance is.... challenging!
An hour later, another friend came over to treat me to shiatsu.* What a pleasure! I have been feeing overwhelmed and stressed for several days. I felt so relaxed when she finished treating me!
Then I met with my "narrative therapist." We have met several times already and I am still not sure exactly what "narrative therapy" is, but I find the sessions with her insightful. (And she comes to my home, so it could not be easier!) She asks probing questions that make me think. My purpose in meeting with her, is to use our meetings to reach my concrete goal of getting my house in order (primarily decluttering, but also organizing....). Today we mainly "caught up," after not meeting for several weeks. She also helped me to refocus on my ultimate goal.
In the middle of our session, I got hungry. That has not happened for the longest time!!
I actually ate some real food and enjoyed it. I had a small piece of eggplant parmesan, a small slice of carrot cake, and a tall glass of milk. I was still hungry afterwards, so I ate some honey roasted peanuts. Not bad for someone who has not had an appetite for 10 months!
A few hours later, I ate an early dinner with my two younger kids. I had a bowl of soup and corn on the cob, with butter and salt. What a simple pleasure to sit and eat with my kids!
I really enjoyed spending the time together.
Unfortunately, I am now paying the piper.... My stomach is grumbling and acting up again.
Perhaps I should have eaten toast with jam, but that is so boring!! I wanted yummy food.
It was a very surrealistic day, slow, kind of wierd feelings.
My daughter had her Kfitz Kfotz gymnastics presentation this evening. This year, they did a local presentation, which I really appreciated. It was much easier for me to attend a shorter program that was close to home.
When we arrived home, my son was already in bed, and on his way to never-never-land. Before I left, we discussed what time he should eat supper and go to bed, given how tired he was this morning. I am pleased that he demonstrated responsibility and made sure to go to bed on time. I am proud of him.
My daughter also had a few thoughts to share about her day. She raised several issues that were disturbing her, primarily about certain dynamics at her school. I tried to guide her a bit, but mostly I just listened. I am glad she feels she can talk to me.
Today is my eldest's birthday. She was not home all day. I missed her. My youngest was especially disappointed that her sister would not be around to celebrate her birthday. My youngest is always very diligent about making something nice for our birthdays. She clearly felt disappointed that her sister would not be receiving her gifts on her actual birthday. My youngest and I sang Happy Birthday to my eldest over the phone. We will celebrate more with her over Shabbat.
My kids are all growing up so fast....
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
--------------------------------------------------------
* In addition to practicing Shiatsu professionally, Idit volunteers her services to me and to the Yuri Stern Foundation.
Idit has a wonderful, warm, and relaxing treatment room in her home.
For regular treatments or to treat yourself to something special:
Idit Amir
077-757-8949
052-660-8442
Idit Amir amir.idit@gmail.com
Oh yeah, a friend came over to do some "shopping" (I'll post more about that later....). She left with a suitcase full of clothes for her younger boys. YAY!!
My son got a late start (no great surprise there -- he was exhausted from yesterday's tiyul). I got a little annoyed about how late he actually got up, but I managed to let my frustration go. I even made him lunch, so he left feeling good that his mother "took care of him." It is such a funny stage -- he wants to be independent, but he also wants to be pampered. Finding the right balance is.... challenging!
An hour later, another friend came over to treat me to shiatsu.* What a pleasure! I have been feeing overwhelmed and stressed for several days. I felt so relaxed when she finished treating me!
Then I met with my "narrative therapist." We have met several times already and I am still not sure exactly what "narrative therapy" is, but I find the sessions with her insightful. (And she comes to my home, so it could not be easier!) She asks probing questions that make me think. My purpose in meeting with her, is to use our meetings to reach my concrete goal of getting my house in order (primarily decluttering, but also organizing....). Today we mainly "caught up," after not meeting for several weeks. She also helped me to refocus on my ultimate goal.
In the middle of our session, I got hungry. That has not happened for the longest time!!
I actually ate some real food and enjoyed it. I had a small piece of eggplant parmesan, a small slice of carrot cake, and a tall glass of milk. I was still hungry afterwards, so I ate some honey roasted peanuts. Not bad for someone who has not had an appetite for 10 months!
A few hours later, I ate an early dinner with my two younger kids. I had a bowl of soup and corn on the cob, with butter and salt. What a simple pleasure to sit and eat with my kids!
I really enjoyed spending the time together.
Unfortunately, I am now paying the piper.... My stomach is grumbling and acting up again.
Perhaps I should have eaten toast with jam, but that is so boring!! I wanted yummy food.
It was a very surrealistic day, slow, kind of wierd feelings.
My daughter had her Kfitz Kfotz gymnastics presentation this evening. This year, they did a local presentation, which I really appreciated. It was much easier for me to attend a shorter program that was close to home.
When we arrived home, my son was already in bed, and on his way to never-never-land. Before I left, we discussed what time he should eat supper and go to bed, given how tired he was this morning. I am pleased that he demonstrated responsibility and made sure to go to bed on time. I am proud of him.
My daughter also had a few thoughts to share about her day. She raised several issues that were disturbing her, primarily about certain dynamics at her school. I tried to guide her a bit, but mostly I just listened. I am glad she feels she can talk to me.
Today is my eldest's birthday. She was not home all day. I missed her. My youngest was especially disappointed that her sister would not be around to celebrate her birthday. My youngest is always very diligent about making something nice for our birthdays. She clearly felt disappointed that her sister would not be receiving her gifts on her actual birthday. My youngest and I sang Happy Birthday to my eldest over the phone. We will celebrate more with her over Shabbat.
My kids are all growing up so fast....
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
--------------------------------------------------------
* In addition to practicing Shiatsu professionally, Idit volunteers her services to me and to the Yuri Stern Foundation.
Idit has a wonderful, warm, and relaxing treatment room in her home.
For regular treatments or to treat yourself to something special:
Idit Amir
077-757-8949
052-660-8442
Idit Amir amir.idit@gmail.com
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Fiddling Around
A few days ago, I was talking with a friend whose daughter is also in Fiddler on the Roof. She mentioned something about attending rehearsals.
"You can do that?" I asked, surprised.
Then, I asked my daughter how she would feel about me coming to watch her rehearsal.
She was totally fine with it.
So, tonight, I watched their rehearsal. It was so much fun! The play is going to be so great!!
Rehearsals are grueling! I got tired, just watching!!
They did not even rehearse the full show!
I might go again, to see the stuff I missed. We'll see.
Meanwhile, one of the girls in the show, who is in the same school & class as my daughter, has basically moved into our home. She lives in the Gush and would get home really late after rehearsals. So she is sleeping here pretty much until the show is over. It's nice that I can open my home that way and the girls basically take care of themselves.
Today, when I finally got out of bed, I got busy! I went on several errands with my friend, LF, who had a few hours free while her daughter was at a local birthday party. My friend drove, and we accomplished a lot! It was fun and productive!!
When I came home, I still felt energetic, so I fried up some sweet potato latkes for my kids. My younger two did not really like them (apparently neither of them like sweet potatoes), but my eldest daughter loved them (and appreciated that I made them for her).
Overall, it was a good day!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
"You can do that?" I asked, surprised.
Then, I asked my daughter how she would feel about me coming to watch her rehearsal.
She was totally fine with it.
So, tonight, I watched their rehearsal. It was so much fun! The play is going to be so great!!
Rehearsals are grueling! I got tired, just watching!!
They did not even rehearse the full show!
I might go again, to see the stuff I missed. We'll see.
Meanwhile, one of the girls in the show, who is in the same school & class as my daughter, has basically moved into our home. She lives in the Gush and would get home really late after rehearsals. So she is sleeping here pretty much until the show is over. It's nice that I can open my home that way and the girls basically take care of themselves.
Today, when I finally got out of bed, I got busy! I went on several errands with my friend, LF, who had a few hours free while her daughter was at a local birthday party. My friend drove, and we accomplished a lot! It was fun and productive!!
When I came home, I still felt energetic, so I fried up some sweet potato latkes for my kids. My younger two did not really like them (apparently neither of them like sweet potatoes), but my eldest daughter loved them (and appreciated that I made them for her).
Overall, it was a good day!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Counting My Blessings (reviewing this past week)
****** warning: long post ******
So many good things have happened this past week. I have been too busy to sit down and write!
The day of my PET CT, a good friend, BW, who I do not get to see that often, came to spend the day with me. The intake nurse was a real character; she explained everything in great detail and added a lot of humor to the day. My friend brought lots of great games for us to play, but we did not get a chance to play any of them. We were too busy talking... and sewing. Together we sewed up two major items of clothing for my daughters. After I finished at the hospital, my friend accompanied me (i.e. chauffeured me around town) on a myriad of errands. It was so great to accomplish so much in one day!
Oh yeah, did I mention that when she arrived, she brought three containers of food for my family! She stuck them in the fridge as a matter of course. (get it? as a matter of course?? -- good thing I amuse myself!)
I was tired from all the running around and I knew I had a big day the next day. Thursday, my youngest daughter's school would be celebrating Yom Yerushalayim, including the "mayatzim" (madrichei yerushalayim tzeirim -- your Jerusalem tour guides) project. My daughter, along with a team of her 6th grade classmates, would be guiding us on a three hour tour of Ir David (The City of David). Then, following a communal meal (falafel), we would watch performances of all the younger grades. Even before I had cancer, this event would leave me both energized (it's such a great program!) and exhausted (it is so tiring!!)!
I planned to rest all Wednesday night and Thursday morning, so I would have enough stamina to get through the big day.
Wednesday night, I had difficulty falling asleep. My stomach had been bothering since the morning, and it was still churning. For the first time since I began treatment, I had non-stop diarrhea. All day, I took pills (Imodium) to stop the diarrhea. They did not work. I passed the 6 pill mark, when I was supposed to call my doctor (he was out of the country)… and then the 8 pill mark, when I was supposed to go to the hospital. I never want to go to the hospital in the middle of the night; but that night would have totally messed me up for the next day! I needed to sleep.
I was not dehydrated. I had been diligently drinking all day. I even drank a milkshake, to get in some calories and free radicals (salts and sugars). I felt fine. My stomach just would not cooperate.
At around midnight, I called my neighbor, who is also an oncologist (I actually have two neighbors/friends who are top-notch oncologists). I knew if I called the "on-call," I would be instructed to go straight to the hospital. I really felt that was unnecessary, but I did not want to be irresponsible. So I consulted with my neighbor/friend/local oncologist, who I hoped would give me an answer that was not "by the book." He confirmed that I could stay home and, if need be, I could go to the hospital in the morning, get an IV, and rest there (an option far better than going in the middle of the night!). Neither option turned out to be necessary. I had one more episode, after which I was finally able to fall asleep.
It was not until the next day, when I was feeling a lot better, that I learned that my friend's intention was that I would go straight to the hospital if I had another episode. Thankfully, all's well that ends well. I was fine the next day and able to rest in my own home, and gather strength for that afternoon's event.
However, my restless stomach from the day before made me nervous. I knew there would be no bathrooms once we started the tour, so I popped two pills, "just to be safe," as we left the house. I am happy to report that I had no problems that day. Thank God!!
That afternoon, we arrived right on time! As soon as we got there, I could feel the excitement in the air. The sixth graders were all in their mayatzim shirts, with voice amplifiers, guiding and directing the parents.
My daughter did such a great job leading our tour group!! Who would have imagined that just a few years ago, this girl barely spoke above a whisper? Here she was, full of confidence, reciting her script loudly and clearly. It was definitely one of those proud parenting moments.
I was impressed by her entire team. Not just by their excellent presentations, but by the way they worked together, in harmony, making sure everyone had what they needed, stood where they were supposed to, and did not forget what to say. They did a fantastic job!
My son was in his element as well. He and another boy from his class had spent several days making sure that their classmates would attend. They succeeded in gathering almost all the kids from their class and they had a grand old time together. My son almost blew us off to hang out with his friends, but my eldest convinced him to stay with our group. I was glad he chose to stay with us. I enjoy his company (and his help carrying my bag!).
Before the performances, the parents' committee thank the teacher who teaches the kids about Jerusalem from the time they begin school, culminating in this final project. I was honored to present her with flowers and a class shirt. It felt fitting to end our tenure at the school this way.
This year is the last year that I will have a child in this school. This was the last time I would attend the Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) celebrations. Next year, all my children would go on their own, with their classmates. They would not need me for this anymore. I looked around me, trying to soak it all in.
The shows ended and all the bogrim (graduates) were invited to join the current students on stage, for the "school song." There they were, all three of my "babies," on stage, embraced by friends and community. My youngest daughter had a huge smile on her face; she knew her class did a great job and the hardest part of 6th grade was over. My son, surrounded by all his old friends, also had a huge smile on his face as he waved an Israeli flag high over the heads of his classmates. And my eldest, who also reunited with her classmates, was so free and childlike, dancing with her friends and laughing. They were home.
The evening ended relatively early. As the energy slowly dissipated, we made our way home and into bed.
The next day, our youngest two slept in, our eldest went to school, Moshe went to this course he is taking at Ir David, and I went to our friends' daughter's Bat Mitzvah celebration at Nalaga'at, in Jaffa Port. All the waiters and servers were deaf. In the middle, they gave a brief "lesson" in sign language. It was really fun and very interesting.
That Shabbat, we hosted two girls from Mitzpah Yericho, as part of Shabbat Yerushalayim. All the youth groups in Jerusalem host kids from other branches, who do not live in Jerusalem. During the day, after lunch, they all walk to the Kotel where they meet all the other religious kids from the country!! It is a HUGE "happening!"
The walk takes about an hour and a half from where we live, but the kids never miss it! There are buses after Shabbat, to take them home.
We hosted dinner in the evening. Lunch, the kids ate with their youth group and we ate with good friends of ours. We were three families at lunch, but since most of our kids were with their youth groups, it was actually a very small meal. We were three "grown ups" (who are all pretty childlike) and five kids (out of 9). It was fun!
After lunch, I collapsed into bed and slept for hours! I needed that!
Sunday and Monday were rather mundane. I had a great experience teaching swimming, but I'll post about that separately. And, here we are, Tuesday, ever Chag HaShavuot.
Chag Sameach!! (Happy Holiday!)
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
So many good things have happened this past week. I have been too busy to sit down and write!
The day of my PET CT, a good friend, BW, who I do not get to see that often, came to spend the day with me. The intake nurse was a real character; she explained everything in great detail and added a lot of humor to the day. My friend brought lots of great games for us to play, but we did not get a chance to play any of them. We were too busy talking... and sewing. Together we sewed up two major items of clothing for my daughters. After I finished at the hospital, my friend accompanied me (i.e. chauffeured me around town) on a myriad of errands. It was so great to accomplish so much in one day!
Oh yeah, did I mention that when she arrived, she brought three containers of food for my family! She stuck them in the fridge as a matter of course. (get it? as a matter of course?? -- good thing I amuse myself!)
I was tired from all the running around and I knew I had a big day the next day. Thursday, my youngest daughter's school would be celebrating Yom Yerushalayim, including the "mayatzim" (madrichei yerushalayim tzeirim -- your Jerusalem tour guides) project. My daughter, along with a team of her 6th grade classmates, would be guiding us on a three hour tour of Ir David (The City of David). Then, following a communal meal (falafel), we would watch performances of all the younger grades. Even before I had cancer, this event would leave me both energized (it's such a great program!) and exhausted (it is so tiring!!)!
I planned to rest all Wednesday night and Thursday morning, so I would have enough stamina to get through the big day.
Wednesday night, I had difficulty falling asleep. My stomach had been bothering since the morning, and it was still churning. For the first time since I began treatment, I had non-stop diarrhea. All day, I took pills (Imodium) to stop the diarrhea. They did not work. I passed the 6 pill mark, when I was supposed to call my doctor (he was out of the country)… and then the 8 pill mark, when I was supposed to go to the hospital. I never want to go to the hospital in the middle of the night; but that night would have totally messed me up for the next day! I needed to sleep.
I was not dehydrated. I had been diligently drinking all day. I even drank a milkshake, to get in some calories and free radicals (salts and sugars). I felt fine. My stomach just would not cooperate.
At around midnight, I called my neighbor, who is also an oncologist (I actually have two neighbors/friends who are top-notch oncologists). I knew if I called the "on-call," I would be instructed to go straight to the hospital. I really felt that was unnecessary, but I did not want to be irresponsible. So I consulted with my neighbor/friend/local oncologist, who I hoped would give me an answer that was not "by the book." He confirmed that I could stay home and, if need be, I could go to the hospital in the morning, get an IV, and rest there (an option far better than going in the middle of the night!). Neither option turned out to be necessary. I had one more episode, after which I was finally able to fall asleep.
It was not until the next day, when I was feeling a lot better, that I learned that my friend's intention was that I would go straight to the hospital if I had another episode. Thankfully, all's well that ends well. I was fine the next day and able to rest in my own home, and gather strength for that afternoon's event.
However, my restless stomach from the day before made me nervous. I knew there would be no bathrooms once we started the tour, so I popped two pills, "just to be safe," as we left the house. I am happy to report that I had no problems that day. Thank God!!
That afternoon, we arrived right on time! As soon as we got there, I could feel the excitement in the air. The sixth graders were all in their mayatzim shirts, with voice amplifiers, guiding and directing the parents.
My daughter did such a great job leading our tour group!! Who would have imagined that just a few years ago, this girl barely spoke above a whisper? Here she was, full of confidence, reciting her script loudly and clearly. It was definitely one of those proud parenting moments.
I was impressed by her entire team. Not just by their excellent presentations, but by the way they worked together, in harmony, making sure everyone had what they needed, stood where they were supposed to, and did not forget what to say. They did a fantastic job!
My son was in his element as well. He and another boy from his class had spent several days making sure that their classmates would attend. They succeeded in gathering almost all the kids from their class and they had a grand old time together. My son almost blew us off to hang out with his friends, but my eldest convinced him to stay with our group. I was glad he chose to stay with us. I enjoy his company (and his help carrying my bag!).
Before the performances, the parents' committee thank the teacher who teaches the kids about Jerusalem from the time they begin school, culminating in this final project. I was honored to present her with flowers and a class shirt. It felt fitting to end our tenure at the school this way.
This year is the last year that I will have a child in this school. This was the last time I would attend the Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) celebrations. Next year, all my children would go on their own, with their classmates. They would not need me for this anymore. I looked around me, trying to soak it all in.
The shows ended and all the bogrim (graduates) were invited to join the current students on stage, for the "school song." There they were, all three of my "babies," on stage, embraced by friends and community. My youngest daughter had a huge smile on her face; she knew her class did a great job and the hardest part of 6th grade was over. My son, surrounded by all his old friends, also had a huge smile on his face as he waved an Israeli flag high over the heads of his classmates. And my eldest, who also reunited with her classmates, was so free and childlike, dancing with her friends and laughing. They were home.
The evening ended relatively early. As the energy slowly dissipated, we made our way home and into bed.
The next day, our youngest two slept in, our eldest went to school, Moshe went to this course he is taking at Ir David, and I went to our friends' daughter's Bat Mitzvah celebration at Nalaga'at, in Jaffa Port. All the waiters and servers were deaf. In the middle, they gave a brief "lesson" in sign language. It was really fun and very interesting.
That Shabbat, we hosted two girls from Mitzpah Yericho, as part of Shabbat Yerushalayim. All the youth groups in Jerusalem host kids from other branches, who do not live in Jerusalem. During the day, after lunch, they all walk to the Kotel where they meet all the other religious kids from the country!! It is a HUGE "happening!"
The walk takes about an hour and a half from where we live, but the kids never miss it! There are buses after Shabbat, to take them home.
We hosted dinner in the evening. Lunch, the kids ate with their youth group and we ate with good friends of ours. We were three families at lunch, but since most of our kids were with their youth groups, it was actually a very small meal. We were three "grown ups" (who are all pretty childlike) and five kids (out of 9). It was fun!
After lunch, I collapsed into bed and slept for hours! I needed that!
Sunday and Monday were rather mundane. I had a great experience teaching swimming, but I'll post about that separately. And, here we are, Tuesday, ever Chag HaShavuot.
Chag Sameach!! (Happy Holiday!)
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Bargain
Posted with the approval of my eldest daughter (the protagonist in this anecdote)
(the title was her idea!)
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Lately, my angel of a daughter has been having not-so-angelic fits.
I called her in, to talk with her about her recent behavior. She expressed her frustration as well.
She recognizes that sometimes our conflicts are a result of her fits. She also thinks that sometimes our conflicts are a result of my fits.
I acknowleged that she might be right.
She suggested : "I'll make with you a deal: You do everything I want, and I won't do fits."
We both had a good, healthy laugh at that!
Then, I suggested the opposite: that my daughter do everything I want, and I won't do fits.
She liked the first option better.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
(the title was her idea!)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lately, my angel of a daughter has been having not-so-angelic fits.
I called her in, to talk with her about her recent behavior. She expressed her frustration as well.
She recognizes that sometimes our conflicts are a result of her fits. She also thinks that sometimes our conflicts are a result of my fits.
I acknowleged that she might be right.
She suggested : "I'll make with you a deal: You do everything I want, and I won't do fits."
We both had a good, healthy laugh at that!
Then, I suggested the opposite: that my daughter do everything I want, and I won't do fits.
She liked the first option better.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
"I don't need to talk with anyone else. I talk to you."
Unlike me, my kids are pretty private about my cancer. They want to be like everyone else. They are normal teens.
More than anything, they do not want anyone's pity.
My cancer is not a secret; they just do not talk about it.
Last night, my eldest and I had one of our infamous, late night, heart to hearts. At one point, she threw out a sentence mentioning the cancer. I picked up the ball, and threw it back in her court, gently asking her to elaborate. She caught the ball.
I cannot share more details. Like I said, my kids are private.
I am grateful that she talks to me. I am impressed by her maturity and her ability to identify, and share, her feelings. She knows she can talk to me about anything.... and she does. I am so thankful.
My daughter once asked me to delete a few lines I had written about her. "Your blog is about your feelings," she clarified, "not mine."
She's right.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
More than anything, they do not want anyone's pity.
My cancer is not a secret; they just do not talk about it.
Last night, my eldest and I had one of our infamous, late night, heart to hearts. At one point, she threw out a sentence mentioning the cancer. I picked up the ball, and threw it back in her court, gently asking her to elaborate. She caught the ball.
I cannot share more details. Like I said, my kids are private.
I am grateful that she talks to me. I am impressed by her maturity and her ability to identify, and share, her feelings. She knows she can talk to me about anything.... and she does. I am so thankful.
My daughter once asked me to delete a few lines I had written about her. "Your blog is about your feelings," she clarified, "not mine."
She's right.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Finders Keepers -- My Eldest Daughter's Magical Talents
I looked.
I spent at least an hour looking, if not more. I looked in all the logical places.
I could not find my ID cards.
I replaced a few cards and, still, I did not find the rest of my cards.
I looked again.
I tried to remember where I put them. I could not retract an image from my memory.
I knew I put them somewhere easy. I just could not remember where.
I needed my credit card.
I kept putting off calling for a replacement. I did not want the credit card company to issue a new card with a new number. All our bills are charged automatically to my card. I would have to call EVERY service provided (water, electricity telephone, insurance, etc) to change our bills. I dreaded the thought.
I knew the card was somewhere at home.
My eldest said she would help me find them. She is THE BEST at finding things. I do not know how she does it, but she finds things when nobody else succeeds.
She felt confident she could find my cards (I admit, I was skeptical), but she had been too busy to look.
Then, she had a day off of school and we wanted to spend some quality time together. As a special treat, we decided to get sushi for lunch. But I did not have my credit card. So, with a sushi incentive, my daughter went to look for my hidden treasure.
Less than five minutes later, she came and asked, "Are these your cards?"
How did she do it?
They were right there, in a place I had looked several times.
How did I miss seeing them?
Why could my daughter find them and I could not?
There is only one explanation: My daughter is magic!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
I spent at least an hour looking, if not more. I looked in all the logical places.
I could not find my ID cards.
I replaced a few cards and, still, I did not find the rest of my cards.
I looked again.
I tried to remember where I put them. I could not retract an image from my memory.
I knew I put them somewhere easy. I just could not remember where.
I needed my credit card.
I kept putting off calling for a replacement. I did not want the credit card company to issue a new card with a new number. All our bills are charged automatically to my card. I would have to call EVERY service provided (water, electricity telephone, insurance, etc) to change our bills. I dreaded the thought.
I knew the card was somewhere at home.
My eldest said she would help me find them. She is THE BEST at finding things. I do not know how she does it, but she finds things when nobody else succeeds.
She felt confident she could find my cards (I admit, I was skeptical), but she had been too busy to look.
Then, she had a day off of school and we wanted to spend some quality time together. As a special treat, we decided to get sushi for lunch. But I did not have my credit card. So, with a sushi incentive, my daughter went to look for my hidden treasure.
Less than five minutes later, she came and asked, "Are these your cards?"
How did she do it?
They were right there, in a place I had looked several times.
How did I miss seeing them?
Why could my daughter find them and I could not?
There is only one explanation: My daughter is magic!
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Monday, January 4, 2010
Anticipation
I wrote this on November 20th, about two weeks before we left. I forgot to post it. Better late than never!
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A wise friend (and family member) suggested we "Leverage the anticipation—which is often as exciting as the actual event—and let the kids go on the websites or buy the books and ask them to plan out the two weeks. That’s a great part of the experience as well."
It never occured to me to involve the kids in the planning. I hope there is still time!
For weeks, I have been reluctant to get excited about the trip.
What if something happened? What if the trip fell through?
I just could not bear the through of dealing with everyone's disappointment.
So, I qualified everything, with "nothing is definite until we have our tickets."
Well, now we have our tickets and I am finally allowing myself to get excited!
The kids are totally into it.
A few nights ago, my eldest gazed at me with her sparkling eyes, "I am so excited!"
I smiled and responded, "I am even more excited than you are!"
After a brief "no, you're not"- "yes I am" exchange, my eldest looked at me with a glint in her eyes and asked, "Are your friends making you a kufsat haftaot (surprise package) with all sorts of fun stuff in it?"
She had me there.
"You win," I conceded, "but I'm still really excited!!"
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A wise friend (and family member) suggested we "Leverage the anticipation—which is often as exciting as the actual event—and let the kids go on the websites or buy the books and ask them to plan out the two weeks. That’s a great part of the experience as well."
It never occured to me to involve the kids in the planning. I hope there is still time!
For weeks, I have been reluctant to get excited about the trip.
What if something happened? What if the trip fell through?
I just could not bear the through of dealing with everyone's disappointment.
So, I qualified everything, with "nothing is definite until we have our tickets."
Well, now we have our tickets and I am finally allowing myself to get excited!
The kids are totally into it.
A few nights ago, my eldest gazed at me with her sparkling eyes, "I am so excited!"
I smiled and responded, "I am even more excited than you are!"
After a brief "no, you're not"- "yes I am" exchange, my eldest looked at me with a glint in her eyes and asked, "Are your friends making you a kufsat haftaot (surprise package) with all sorts of fun stuff in it?"
She had me there.
"You win," I conceded, "but I'm still really excited!!"
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Everyone is Fine, Thank God
Just to follow up:
Moshe is fine. The kidney stone is gone.
My son is fine. Even his bike seems fine (though we still have to take it to the shop to be checked).
We are all vaccinated against both the flu and the swine flu -- my kids got both shots on the same day (one in each arm) -- ouch!
My eldest took two days off of school, to recover from not feeling well. The first day (yesterday), she slept all day. Today, she seems to be back up to par. Letting her stay home today was a big deal for me. I deferred to Moshe's judgement and let her decide for herself. I would have made her go to school, even if she did "only have a tiyul shelach." I am working on "letting go."
My youngest is worried about school, but is fine healthwise.
So, all in all, everyone seems to be "good to go."
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Moshe is fine. The kidney stone is gone.
My son is fine. Even his bike seems fine (though we still have to take it to the shop to be checked).
We are all vaccinated against both the flu and the swine flu -- my kids got both shots on the same day (one in each arm) -- ouch!
My eldest took two days off of school, to recover from not feeling well. The first day (yesterday), she slept all day. Today, she seems to be back up to par. Letting her stay home today was a big deal for me. I deferred to Moshe's judgement and let her decide for herself. I would have made her go to school, even if she did "only have a tiyul shelach." I am working on "letting go."
My youngest is worried about school, but is fine healthwise.
So, all in all, everyone seems to be "good to go."
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Sunday, November 29, 2009
A Knapsack on My Back
Ricki's mom, over at Beneath the Wings, bewails the Israeli cultural phenomenon of children bringing tons of junk food on school trips. Her post inspired mine.
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Many years ago, I think my eldest was in third grade at the time, I found myself confronted with the social pressures of junk food.
At the time, I never bought junk food.
A few years earlier, when she was in first grade, it became clear that, for school trips, I had to include special treats with her lunch. I did not mind. I sent her with a bag of pretzels and some dried fruit (usually dried apricots).
Around third grade, my daughter timidly approached me before her school trip.
"Ima," she asked, hesitantly, "do you think you could give me something more fun for the school trip? No one wants to trade with me."
That's when I learned that, not only do all the kids bring junk food, but, they all swap/share their junk food.
My sweet kid was the only one bringing "healthy" snacks, which the other kids clearly did not want.
"What would you like?" I asked my little girl, prepared to hear a long list.
"Maybe you could get me a bag of Bisli (a popular Israeli snack) and a package of hamtzutzim (sour sticks)?" she asked shyly.
"That's it?" I asked, certain there must be more that she wanted.
That was it.
I, sort of, felt like I did when I finished reading Bontshe, the Silent, by I.L. Peretz. (If you have not read this short story, you should. I.L. Peretz also wrote If Not Higher, which is my all-time favorite short story.)
Such a modest request from my daughter.
I felt shamed by what I had imagined she would request.
"I would be happy to get those for you," I told her right away, and delighted in her simple joy.
I remember thinking: Wouldn't it be great if it would always be this easy to make her so happy?
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many years ago, I think my eldest was in third grade at the time, I found myself confronted with the social pressures of junk food.
At the time, I never bought junk food.
A few years earlier, when she was in first grade, it became clear that, for school trips, I had to include special treats with her lunch. I did not mind. I sent her with a bag of pretzels and some dried fruit (usually dried apricots).
Around third grade, my daughter timidly approached me before her school trip.
"Ima," she asked, hesitantly, "do you think you could give me something more fun for the school trip? No one wants to trade with me."
That's when I learned that, not only do all the kids bring junk food, but, they all swap/share their junk food.
My sweet kid was the only one bringing "healthy" snacks, which the other kids clearly did not want.
"What would you like?" I asked my little girl, prepared to hear a long list.
"Maybe you could get me a bag of Bisli (a popular Israeli snack) and a package of hamtzutzim (sour sticks)?" she asked shyly.
"That's it?" I asked, certain there must be more that she wanted.
That was it.
I, sort of, felt like I did when I finished reading Bontshe, the Silent, by I.L. Peretz. (If you have not read this short story, you should. I.L. Peretz also wrote If Not Higher, which is my all-time favorite short story.)
Such a modest request from my daughter.
I felt shamed by what I had imagined she would request.
"I would be happy to get those for you," I told her right away, and delighted in her simple joy.
I remember thinking: Wouldn't it be great if it would always be this easy to make her so happy?
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Monday, November 9, 2009
Just an Observation -- Humor
My eldest called her Abba (father) today, to find out how he is doing.
Moshe explained to her that he is feeling much better, but the doctors want him to keep him in the hospital "for observation."
Without missing a beat, she responded, "Abba, you should tell those doctors that we want you home for observation!"
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Moshe explained to her that he is feeling much better, but the doctors want him to keep him in the hospital "for observation."
Without missing a beat, she responded, "Abba, you should tell those doctors that we want you home for observation!"
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Friday, October 23, 2009
Kids!
×©×—× "ש = שיחת × ×¤×©
Sachnash = sichat nefesh = heart-to-heart talk
Usually, my eldest and I find ourselves having a sachnash late at night, when both of us should be sleeping.
But last night, after dinner, we found ourselves hanging out in the kitchen, having a serious sachnash.
My daughter was all riled up about a moral dilemma she noticed in Tanach (The Bible). I mostly listened, wishing Moshe would join the conversation and provide some insight to the very real questions our daughter was raising.
Finally, Moshe came out of the computer room. He was intrigued by our conversation.
Relieved, I told our daughter, "Abba [Dad] can probably help you understand this better."
Our daughter took one look at her Abba and jumped out of her seat.
"The computer is free! I gotta go!" she exclaimed, and ran out of the room.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Sachnash = sichat nefesh = heart-to-heart talk
Usually, my eldest and I find ourselves having a sachnash late at night, when both of us should be sleeping.
But last night, after dinner, we found ourselves hanging out in the kitchen, having a serious sachnash.
My daughter was all riled up about a moral dilemma she noticed in Tanach (The Bible). I mostly listened, wishing Moshe would join the conversation and provide some insight to the very real questions our daughter was raising.
Finally, Moshe came out of the computer room. He was intrigued by our conversation.
Relieved, I told our daughter, "Abba [Dad] can probably help you understand this better."
Our daughter took one look at her Abba and jumped out of her seat.
"The computer is free! I gotta go!" she exclaimed, and ran out of the room.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Oops
About an hour before Rosh HaShanah, my sister popped over to wish us all a Shanah Tovah.
She brought me some beautiful flowers -- snow white, with a deep purple fringe on top. (Purple is my favorite color.)
My eldest trimmed the stems and placed them in a vase. I felt the stems were cut too short for that vase and moved them to shorter vase; the flowers stemmed out beautifully. I proudly showed my daughter the difference.
Last night, when I went to place the flowers on the table, I noticed they were all droopy.
I commented to my eldest that the flowers were pretty, but they did not last long.
My daughter took a closer look at the vase and noted "Ima, when you moved the flowers, you forgot to add water."
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
She brought me some beautiful flowers -- snow white, with a deep purple fringe on top. (Purple is my favorite color.)
My eldest trimmed the stems and placed them in a vase. I felt the stems were cut too short for that vase and moved them to shorter vase; the flowers stemmed out beautifully. I proudly showed my daughter the difference.
Last night, when I went to place the flowers on the table, I noticed they were all droopy.
I commented to my eldest that the flowers were pretty, but they did not last long.
My daughter took a closer look at the vase and noted "Ima, when you moved the flowers, you forgot to add water."
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
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