LOSS ON A HUMAN SCALE

     Loss is part of life. Whether it begins with the loss of a favorite rattle or Heaven forbid, the loss of a beloved stuffed animal, loss is always there. Loss can come in tidal movements. The loss of hundreds of thousands during the past, throughout history. The current loss of thousands to ethnic cleansing and baseless hatred. The hard to accept fact that among those who are being targeted there are faults as well. Rohingya men often beat their wives. No one is perfect and blameless but humanity must be part of life as well.
     There is another kind of loss, a loss which is of a much smaller scale, a more human loss, and strangely enough, makes more of an impact than the loss of larger numbers of people. This loss is that of a beloved person suddenly being taken, removed from the fabric of the lives around him/her and without warning, often there is a rent in the fabric of life. Small, yet so large.
    Yesterday there was such a loss. Our mechutan, that is the father in law of one of our daughters, was taken from all of us in a sudden moment of loss. The breakfast that Bonnie was making for him would never be eaten. There would be no more hugs or teasing, no more shared laughter with him over our mutual granddaughter. His larger family, his circle of friends now had to deal with this loss.
     Marty fought off cancer for years. Not a large man, he had the heart of a giant and the courage as well as he fought and overcame. He took part in the Jewish aspects of life, its communal affairs, active in several synagogues,proud of his Sephardic heritage, worked for a Jewish organization and put off retirement for years because they said he was needed.
     He adored Bonnie, his wife, a relationship that was heartwarming. He cherished his son and Marty and his granddaughter and his daughter in law had this wonderful relationship complete with teasing and loving laughter and we became part of this circle, especially when we were in Chicago. Divorce of our children did not make a difference. How many drives from or to the airport were made. How many brunches did we have together and how often did we find that somehow there was a fifth along with us as there was Ayelet with all her grandparents. We were blessed that they were able to share in the celebration of our 50th with us.
     This loss will not change the world in general. It will not even make much of a splash in the world, just a small ripple, but when one looks closer, we see the giant ripple that it actually is leaving, causing, in this small corner of the universe.
     Marty was a good man. He leaves behind a bereft wife, a mourning son, a grieving granddaughter and daughter in law, family relatives, a circle of friends, shul members, running buddies, working colleagues - where does it end. But the good Lord decided it was time. So quickly, with mercy for Marty, He took him home, leaving a shocked circle of people behind him.
     You have earned your rest, your peace. So get to work up there and create the Heaven's first Starbuck and create those jogging trails. Say hi to my parents and yours as well. Together, watch over your loved ones. Be there to chide G-d when things in the world get too harsh.
     Enjoy the comfort and the peace, the warm feeling of being under the comforting and sheltering wings of heaven and the Lord. May He send comfort to all those who will miss you. Be at peace.