Morning T,

I’m home from Tara’s just in time for my mom’s birthday.  Last year I remember our conversation about how I could stop time to honor my mom. The Jewish tradition for honoring the dead is connected more the day of dying.  Your wonderful way of honoring Lydia was to host of dinner on her birthday.  I loved that and this year we will continue that tradition at Ami’s on July 20. Ironcially, I will be with Ami and his family tonight for dinner.  A Rosenberg toast to Edie!

I’m remembering how wonderful it was to watch you develop a relationship with my mom and dad.  At first you were hesitant, worried that they would never accept you given that you were just a few years younger that they were.  But I was sure that they would welcome you.  You made me happy.  That’s all they cared about and over time they grew to love you,trust you, love you.

My mom was a giant presence in my life and nothing made me happier than to have you remind me on a daily basis to call home even when she just turned on the tape as we talked.

Ahhh, my mom, Elieen, you…I have joined the mourners, spared for so long. Now I’m learning how to live with loss, how pieces of my heart will continue to break as I age.

Life with loss…as I mourn I marvel at how you continued to live with a deep passion through all your losses.  Dealing with my own loss makes me feel more connected to the world around me…

Happy Birthday, Mom, from me, from Tuvia, from all of us.

Bonnie S.