Gmar Tov

to remember - merken

This year loss is weighing heavy. As we continue our wandering during the high holidays we are feeling the loss of those that passed a little harder.  

I apologize to those I may have offended. It was a whirlwind year and I know I didn't see everyone that I wanted, I didn't tell everyone that I should have how they have positively influenced my life, I didn't listen enough and I didn't help enough...

... and for that I am sorry.

And to those we mourn. Sometimes, it is easier than others to forget the pain of their absence. And sometimes it hits you when you least expect it. Tuesday morning, on the train home from Vienna, the four of us were playing the card game, Hearts. This is a game I played endlessly with my parents.  I remember playing it in our home in New York and one particular time in Lake Placid. My parents took me one Thanksgiving. At night, I remember sitting on the hotel bed (probably a Howard Johnson's hotel) and sitting and playing all night.  I remember laughing the entire night as my dad teased my mom, as she thought we were conspiring against her. That night was brought up throughout my life. My children remember my mom telling the story. She never really believed my dad and I that we did not cheat. It was playful banter, but one she held over us with a smile.  For this, and all the good and the bad moments - I remember them.

On Yom Kippur, it is important to remember immediate loses but others as well. We have several friends in mind this year that had loses very recently and some that it may have been years ago, but it still feels like yesterday. And then, in Germany the news of the victims outside a synagogue - these are all weighing heavy.

May your fast be easy and full of meaning.

May the night bring internal thoughts on how to always work on being better to others.

May the day bring loving thoughts of all those we lost and bring the strengths of those we miss to the forefront of our memories.

May the time bring understanding of others and different approaches for times.

And may this day, bring us to be better listeners, helpers and fighters for what is right.