It has been over a year and a half since my father passed. The piles of paperwork have mostly been dealt with, the houses have been cleaned and emptied, the mail has slowed, googledocs of bills and expenses have been made. Generally, an unorganized organization of things has been put together.
And, I have fled to the Middle
East. With an auto-away message "Unless it is an emergency, it can wait.
And if you need to talk money, you will be talking to Tava."
I have come seeking my roots, my
culture, love, and most importantly relaxation. It is
a privilege that I am able to do this. But, I am 31 now, and
finding a life partner and my own career path has become my priority.
I have never been to war. I can't
say I know what it is like or how it feels. An experience many people here have
had.
Watching and caring for two parents
pass away from cancer and then becoming head of a household, is also an
experience, be it a very different one, that most of my peers can't relate to.
Most mornings when I wake up, I am not sure I know how to relate to it.
So, I am hopeful that I will find
comfort in the hardened yet soft culture of the people here. A people that have
to grow up way too early in life; from serving in the army, or living in an
occupied territory. Neither side is a relaxed, peaceful place. And, that I can
relate to. On one side, an incredibly blessed life and on the other side a life
that has been hardened by experiences at an age that is far too young.
It is these experiences, however,
that teach us to treasure the little things. The time and thought that goes
into moments in life. My family was a family that wrote. We wrote a lot. And
now, 19 months after my father passed and 11 years after my mothers passing I
hold my mothers journals and my fathers letters to be my most
prized possessions.
In honor of Father's day, below is
the card my father wrote for my 29th birthday. 13 months before he passed
away.
To all the fathers out
there...
Write your children letters filled
with love <3
Dearest Shira,
No one could have two daughters who
are as kind, caring passionate and flexible as you and Tava. You in particular
exhibit an adaptability that I've never seen in anyone. I am grateful for your
presence and reliance.
More over, I have so much to learn
from you. That’s right from you! Your expressions of love and ability to make
friends of every place, race, nationality, religion, political persuasion
(sometimes) and sexual preference is without parallel.
That you and Tava have a loving and
supportive relationship lifts my soul and spirit.
As you know more than anything
except the good health of you and Tava I wanted to spare you my current
condition. Together we will move through this and hopefully put this time in
the distant past as quickly as possible.
Happy birthday with more
love than any human can properly express adequately in prose.
Love you, Dad
