Reflective. That was also today. I decided to go to the cemetery. My kids thought it odd. Andrew asked if it would make me sad. I explained to him that while cemeteries can be sad places, to me today, it is a place where we can think about who we are and where we come from. I told him that my paternal grandparents were buried in the particular cemetery we were visiting and that a part of them flowed to Papa, then to me and now on to him and Adam. By visiting them, we pay them not only respect, but we get to learn about our lineage and about those who helped create us. It is sad that they are no longer on this earth and it is sad that I never got to meet them, but it doesn't mean that they are not part of me, or Andrew or Adam. It was a tough conversation to have with a 10 and 7 year old and I hesitated taking them there, but ultimately the decision was theirs to go. Adam said he felt weird being there, but that he didn't quite know why.....
I also paid respects to my dad's sisters Julie and Raymond. The emotions ran strong and articulating them is just a bit too difficult.
From there, we went to visit Big Meme and Pepe. Big Meme made a most delicious lunch and for the first time on this trip, Gabe ate like a pig (his words not mine). Andrew and Adam made themselves quite at home - as soon as they walked in they raced to the backyard and then spent the afternoon fighting over the "recliner." Pepe had a real treat for us! He found his Bar Mitzvah invitation! It is written with Hebrew letters, but is actually transliterated Moroccan/Arabic. The Jews in Morocco learned to speak Arabic but were not always literate in the language; they were educated in French schools, and so their literacy stemmed from French and then whatever Hebrew they were taught in after school Hebrew school.
Pepe also pulled out a copy of his and Meme's wedding invitation from February 1945. It was a random copy and many noted were scribbled on i, but the essence was there an it was written in French!
The remainder of the afternoon was spent running a few errands and packing up and of course we headed to a quick and casual dinner together. Sorry Karen, I know you wanted to party but it will have to wait til L.A.! We always have birthday dinners with family and of course Gabe the kids and I always plan something. This year instead of being with parents and siblings (and I so wished they were with us), I got to spend by birthday dinner with Meme, Yoram, Mome and Leah. At the end of the evening, Meme gave me a ring and necklace - two pieces of jewelry that are hers and she wants me to have. It was touching and we both cried. I love that she gave me something of hers.....
We are packed up and ready to go. Tomorrow is the last day and while we would love to stay longer, we now that we must now return. After all, I do miss my bed and pillows.
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| Pepe's Bar Mitzvah Invitation |
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| Meme and Pepe's Wedding Invitation |
