Today is a very special day for our family. Today our nephew will marry his beloved, and she happens to be the daughter of old friends of ours. His parents are thrilled, and hers the same. For us, this remarkable and happy coincidence is nothing short of miraculous. So I share this post in honor of the marriage of our nephew, our new niece, and the new home they will create together. Today I want to share — from a medical standpoint — just a few of a great many things I have learned about friends, family, and the magic effects of kindness, love, and support. Continue reading
Tag Archives: community
The Season of our Joy
A brief post on the birth of a new grandchild. It is the season of our joy, and we are indeed celebrating. This note of gratitude is intended specifically for you, dear readers. Continue reading
In Thanks
The only thing I want to do today is to say thank you. We have been utterly overwhelmed not only by the events of the past month, but as much, if not more, by the outpouring of love and support that has found its way to our entire family.
Less than a week after my husband’s older brother died, our daughter-in-law was diagnosed with lymphoma. Continue reading
Mom’s Birthday
Today is my mother’s birthday, the first since she passed away almost a year ago. In just a few weeks, we will observe her first yahrtzeit, the first anniversary of her passing. So much has happened this year, and we have all struggled mightily to find our way. When I think about telling her everything that has happened, it feels more like a dystopian novel than the truth. But it’s not all bad. Even though the past few months of winter have been particularly challenging, I am looking forward to returning once more to spending loads of time outdoors. And in view of the rising rates of vaccination, I am certain that next winter will be much better. Yesterday afternoon I sat outside in the sun for an hour with my husband, son-in-law, and daughter even though the temperature was only in the 20’s here in Cleveland. It was freezing, but that did not stop us from enjoying a plate of chocolates — handmade by my son’s friend in Jerusalem — and a bottle of Pavo Real wine, whose label displays a beautiful peacock feather. Mom really loved her peacocks, and her house was filled with their feathers. She would have loved that. Continue reading
A Poem for the New Year
In honor of the New Year, I share here a poem by the artist, author and educator Judy Chicago. I am inspired in particular by the last part of this poem, and by the idea that as health and wellness improve and flourish in our homes and communities, the medical-care delivery economy must, inevitably, shrink. More beans and greens means fewer dialysis centers. Fewer food deserts, fewer heart attacks. More physical activity, less depression. Continue reading
We Are Family
Hope springs eternal. No matter how unsuccessful their efforts to “lose weight,” people continue to try. Laudable. Applaudable. And respectable. But, for the most part, unsuccessful. Continue reading