Eight Weeks

Eight weeks today and I will always be counting.

Judah visited last night as we sang kiddush. The Sabbath candles flickered at Shalom Alechem. He loved that melody. The motzei was accompanied by a jingle in English, "We give thanks as our prayer is humble said..." This would annoy him no end. It became a family tease. We still sing it and see Judah cringe and express his disapproval of such a childish ditty. Such are the memories, complex, rich, textured.

Judah loved satsuma tangerines, and we planted a tree last year which fruits by Sukkot. It's still young and small giving three or four dozen tangerines. It's a battle with the squirrels to see who is going to get to eat the fruit. If I pick them when they still are green, they are not so sweet, if I leave them to ripen, the squirrels (three of them) think its an open invitation to dine. I have tried to invite them to eat at my neighbors but they seem to prefer Kosher food.

Pixie had to go on a post shiva diet. She got used to handouts of bagels, corned beef, and fresh fruit. Dog food does not appeal to her. Last night when we went for a walk, a car went by, she picked up her ears and started to look as if she was expecting someone. Since Alissa and Benji were inside I asked her "Judah?" she wagged her tail and then looked disappointed when the car continued on its way.

We miss him so much.

Love to you all,

Martha