Saturday, November 7, 2009

Happy Day, Sad Day

I was blessed this afternoon with a visit from my beautiful niece and her new baby boy. He's only two months old, and so sweet and happy and alert. What a pleasure it was to hold him and rock him to sleep and make funny noises at him. I even got to sing the national anthem to him (an old trick that I discovered years ago. Cranky babies find the Star Spangled Banner to be very soothing, if you sing it low and slow.) It's been so long since I've had a chance to play with a newborn. What a pleasure.

But then, after Shabbat, I got a phone call from my mother. She had flown to Los Angeles with her sister to be with their ailing brother. My mother hadn't seen her brother in a long time, and was shocked by how sick he is. The doctors have said that he has only days to live. My mother was sobbing so hard she could barely choke out the words. There was nothing I could do to help from so far away, so I just held onto the phone, listening to her cry, and crying along with her. I was touched to see my youngest daughter staring at me with tears in her eyes. I was worried about my mother, and she was worried about hers.

I pray that my uncle will recover, but I know that is just not possible anymore. So all I can do now is hope that my mother and my aunt will get through this heartbreaking time together.

6 comments:

Leora said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your and your family.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and your family - it must be hard on your mother. I remember when my mother lost a younger sister two years ago: it was hard for her, and also for me to see her with all the pain. I'll pray for you too.

Staying Afloat said...

Thank you for sharing this- y'all are now in my tefillos.

The star spangled banner- we've never tried that one. I'll have to remember it.

nmf #7 said...

Star Spangled Banner- good tip. May you continue to enjoy your new nephew...and my prayers are with you and your family.

Baila said...

I'm also thinking of you, and your mom and aunt and uncle. My mother lost her sister last year--it's so difficult. I'm sure you and your kids will be a great source of comfort to her.

SuperRaizy said...

Thank you all for your kind wishes.
As of today, my uncle has been sent home from the hospital because there is nothing left to do for him. He is conscious enough to realize that his family is with him, and keeps holding their hands.