A MEMORIAL OF LOVE

          Sunday was the third yahrtzeit, or anniversary, of the passing of my mother, Blanche Mark, zichronah lvracha (may her memory be blessed). On Saturday, my daughter and son in law made a beautiful Kiddush, or meal, in her honor and there I spoke a bit about her.But what says even more, is what my daughter wrote on Facebook.
    
"Today is Tata's yaherzeit. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. The thoughts usually put a smile on my face or a little chuckle. We had a beautiful kiddush in her memory in Florida. My mother spoke very well and reminded us all to cherish and respect our parents while you can. Even though Tata was not here with us, she send us her favorite bird, the red cardinal to animal kingdom lodge in Disney. We love and miss you more than you can know."


     My parents left a great big hole in the fabric of our lives when they left us. I live with that missing piece in the pattern of my life every day, as do my children and grandchildren, for most were lucky enough to have gotten to know them and have a relationship with them. However, as I stayed with my two daughters and their children over the holiday, as I spoke with my son and his family, and as I read the letter from the rabbi where grandson #1 spent the seders and heard the words of a member of our shul who met my son over the holiday, I knew my parents were still watching over us.
     I know that our love is eternal and that they will be watching over us for years to come, sending us little messages along the way, with the cardinal couple that hang out by my daughter and the little memories that keep cropping up amongst us all. They will remain alive in the beauty of the actions and souls of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and G-d willing, in the generations to come.
     I miss them more than any words I can write will ever express but I thank G-d for the memories and the anniversaries as it gives me a moment to slow down and purposely think of them. I love and miss you, Pop, Nellie. May you watch over us all and keep us on the good side of G-d! Gotta go - the tears are at it again.
                                    Your Esty.