Judah thoughts

January 3rd will be 16 months since Judah left us. The ache never goes away, but sometimes a little sunshine eases the ache. Of course the new baby, Jack Judah, hebrew name Yehuda is wonderful.
Other wonderful Judah things. Monty. Pixie died on Dec 11th. On Dec 12 a stray dog wandered into our lives. We call him Monty, because I found him at Mount Sinai, the same place I got Pixie, and because he mounts everything in sight. I am sure that Judah and Seymour are kvelling. In many ways Monty has lightened our burden. I can't explain it, but its like a gift from Seymour, Judah and Pixie. To come exactly 24 hours after Pixie's passing is a strange coincidence. The dog, runs like Judah used to as a young man, and naps a great deal, as Judah always did. He is a gentleman,( except for his other habit). What more can I say, but thank you to those who sent him.

Last week I heard from the young man we are sponsoring to go to Medical school in Dar Es Salam. He will visit in the summer. I am anxious to meet him. His sponsor, Dr. Shriner, at Huntingtom Memorial Hospital says he is a spiritual guy and reminds her of Judah's qualities as a physician and healer.

In this regard, I am adding a component to project Judah. In addition to recruiting stem cell donors to the data base be are initiating a program to counsel and comfort the donors. It seems that when a patient doesn't survive the donors take it to heart. There isn't any program to offer help to them. Part of Project Yehuda will be dedicated to creating and establishing this help and support. I feel that is what Judah would want.

Yesterday, I was searching for Judah's blog, as my new computer configuration did not post it immediately. I fell upon a blog called Crassy Boy. This is written by a class mate of Judah's. I did not know that he chronicled Judah's difficult journey on his blog site. He is travelling the world. It was sad and comforting to read his journals.

We will continue with Judah stories, tell them to Jack Judah, to Mehri's son Daniel (Judah's middle name) and new cousin Sylvia (ten weeks old). Soon we will dedicated a rock climbing wall at Akiba Academy in Judah's memory. (His favorite activity in school was recess!).

Love to you all,

Martha