Dear Tuvia,

Welcome to our first Yom Kippur/anniversary apart as the sun sets and we head out for dinner tonight to the first place you took me- that’s right, the Turkish restaurant in Union City.  Leora came up with that idea.  Just hope the food is as good as I remember.

Today was another spectacular early Fall day for  strolling in Hoboken, enjoying the family cocoon of love and support,  kicking off the holiday yesterday afternoon.  I stopped for flowers at your favorite market, selecting sunflowers- a bit more exciting than your safer selections.  I know you would have been fine with them.  Here, check them out:

Friday night dinner on Tuesday set up early to accommodate Ron’s race to the synagogue for Kol Nidre.  The rest of us remained behind for a few ritual hands of Remi Cue, taken very seriously by everyone until Mia’s good buddy Garielle arrived and then of course, kid hell broke loose and we turned to some adult conversation to keep us all focused and engaged.  So good that Leora remained behind with us.

Great sleeping in the guest room, maybe my best night in weeks.  I wonder if the two vodkas helped?

The morning moved slowly, leisurely with coffee and breakfast- no fasting for me this year.  Getting used to being without you demands fuel.  No guilt!

I wasn’t planning a visit to the synagogue but Leora was asked by the Rabbi to read something about you and after a healthy  to rewrite to reflect the real you it was clear that we all wanted to be there to hear her share with the synagogue community.     The whole family waited patiently for her moment and even with a frustrating sound system she spoke about you with love and respect!  Yes, you should be grinning at this moment!

Funny about that synagogue, I have never felt connected of the community and I don’t really care much about the service but I continue to get lost in the place.  I look up at the fully painted, newly lit ceiling and I remember what it looked like when we began there together- a remarkable transformation that Ron was so much a part of.   I felt peaceful once again.

As for the rest of the day, I needed a bagel with white fish salad, coffee and a piece of a corn muffin.  Just what I enjoyed the evening we met but I couldn’t wait.  I’m sure I will still rise to occasion for diner at “our place”.  The memories are already flooding in!!!

It’s quiet here at Ami and Adi’s.  The kids are off enjoying friends, A and A are downstairs enjoying a bit of quiet time and I am with you…

Love,

Bonnie S.