Living La Vida Loca

For all our Jewish friends, tonight marks the start of the Ten Days of Awe – that start with Rosh Hashanah (Or “Head of the Year”) and ends ten days later with Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). This is a relatively solemn period in our annual cycle of life when we are supposed to reflect on the year past and make amends not only with other people whom we may have “wronged” but directly with G-d (in whatever form one choses to envision this ultimate source of life). I don’t consider myself a “religious” person – rather a lover of traditions handed down over more than 5,000 years that form the basis for my moral compass, my child-rearing/parenting approach, my relationships with family and friends, my work ethic, my curiosity, and on and on. My heritage really is a gift, given to me by my parents, grandparents, and all who came before me with a shared history. This year feels different than many before it…at least for me. Some reflections…

This last year has been a whirlwind of mixed emotions and events for me. On the one hand, Our eldest son, Ari, and his wife, Lauren, celebrated the first birthday of their second daughter, Eliana – a cherubic and fun-loving addition to their household…on the other hand, we have all been struggling to spend more time together unfettered by the remnants of COVID transmission fears. We are getting there.

One one hand, our amazing daughter, Ruthie, married very special Simon who has been a part of our family for ten years already – and the celebration of this union could not have been more beautiful and memorable…On the other hand, my parents were unable to join us for the wedding due to medical complications that made travel difficult. They were terribly missed.

On the one hand, our youngest, Eitan, is really coming into his own in a very tough business that is the music industry, and really showing his tenacity, passion, and talent that looks to be paying off. On the other hand, I feel great sadness at the passing of a dear friend’s youngest son – one cut down at a time when all things were possible for him.

On the one hand, I owe a great debt of gratitude to modern medicine for supporting my darling, undaunted life partner, Andrew, as he lives life to the fullest each day while dealing with two cancer diagnoses. On the other hand, not a week passes when I don’t hear of another friend, or a friend’s family member, who is struggling, suffering with a serious medical diagnosis and the outcomes don’t look good at all, or they pass too soon with family and friends having to cope with dashed dreams and heart-wrenching grief.

As my reflective ten days commence, I feel compelled to literally count my blessings – for my own decent health and daily opportunities to do things I love, with people that I love. I do my version of prayer to wish for continued improved health for Andrew, and for others in my extended clan of family and friendship. I think about the not-so-wonderful interactions I’ve had in the past year with some of the people I care deeply about – and try to both make amends and work to do a better job of showing them the love I feel, rather than the brittle, insecure side of me that sometimes creeps out. I try to look forward to each new day as a chance to do something good for the world – starting with my family, my friends, and the circles of others who might benefit from information, support, compassion, and simple listening. More than anything, I hope that this coming year brings out the best in human nature – globally. We are all in the midst of a very turbulent and divisive time overall, and as one individual I often feel helpless (as I know others do). So the best I feel I can do is lead by example, one day at a time.

Shana Tova – Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

Esther