I got a call from my son the psychiatrist. “How do you want to celebrate your death?” he asked. I was surprised. He had never asked this before, even though I am now pushing 92. Apparently, he had a dream that got him thinking. Now that got me thinking. What were the values that…
DetailsI am heartbroken. My granddaughter is getting married after living with this wonderful young man for five years. My granddaughter and her fiancé are both 32. I am 91. The past three years they have lived and worked in my city. Every Sunday they would have breakfast with me. I would prepare an agenda for what…
DetailsMy friend Miriam was recently watching her 10-year-old grandson, when he came to her with a troubled look on his face. “This is getting really mean,” he said. “I think my friend is really upset.” It had started innocently enough, with a group text. Someone had posted a cartoon picture of a…
DetailsWhen I hear things in the news I often wonder “what can i do?” “How can I help?” That often leads to connecting with family to see how they are feeling about current events and social issues. My grand-daughter in law Erin Beser wrote this piece that was shared on the blog at her place…
DetailsDear Family, You can’t imagine the pride and happiness that I have in seeing your successes and achievements in life. I know that pride is a feeling one usually has about their own achievements. But as your father and grandfather, I get deep pleasure and satisfaction in following all that you do. I…
DetailsAs a grandparent, I talk a lot about passing values from one generation to the next. As one who advocates for a culture of sharing in the family, where everyone’s voice can be heard, I also am realizing lately how important it is to articulate what you stand for. With so much vitriol in…
DetailsThe dictionary definition of the word “demystify” means to make something clear and easy to understand. When it comes to family, de“mist”ifying may be the better way to say it. I’m talking about that mist that can come over family members when they get together. It might be the mist through which one sees…
Details2018 was a grand year! There were graduations and weddings and birthdays and promotions. So much to celebrate. And it was a scary year. There were concerns about aging and losing my independence. Thankfully, I passed my written driving test and renewed my driver’s license. But that was after flunking it the first time. Over…
DetailsBy Jerry Witkovsky and Deanna Shoss I’m feeling very naïve right now. Not even two months ago, I was overwhelmed with emotion, grateful for the freedom to practice Judaism in the United States. As I sat in Synagogue for the High Holy Days in September, I reflected on past visits to Auschwitz with my staff…
DetailsAt age 90 and 7 months, I was entering my car the usual way. Right leg first, leaving all the weight on my left leg for just a fraction of a minute until I’m in. Suddenly my knee gave out and I found myself flat on the parking lot pavement. Somehow, in a state of…
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