Connected by threads of laughter, endured thru distance and shredded by hardships.We are still together as our paths have divided, multiplied and been challenged. As a precious jewel-worn on tender occasions, displayed in a special place; polished and refurbished as needed. Forgiving, generous and embraced, as its value cannot be overestimated. A responsiblity unlike any other, for it is not obliged through birth. It continues, endures-we hold on and question how, sometimes why? Yet to loose it would mean a huge piece of us would perish amongst the rubble of disaster.

And so what is “right” about saying good-bye to a shared lifetime with your father? We love, we share and we come closest to merging our beings with our parents. One day we wake up and we are finalizing the deal, closing shop and spinning into a stratosphere of the unknown. Our father/our life. I say why to a wonderful, long , well-lived life and no more of it. I struggle to find what closure means when you never want to say good-bye with an unimaginable finality. What about wanting another bite of that piece of cake, seeing one more foreign film or giving one more toast at your  table of choice?

Sandy, made the pass throughs-destinations. His enthusiasm never wavered. Whether he was welcoming a grandchild into the world, or showing Francine scarfs to choose from at Chicos- he Gleamed.

We talked in one of our forever moments about days like yesterday. We speculated and even tried to calculate the intensity, the pain. With no warning or handbook for the “grave” emotionality the day offers we become flooded with memories. We want to save the metaphorical buttons on their beloved blazer and in fact the blazer. We’ve celebrated our worlds, we’ve divided our sorrows and our journeys go on. I hold our long, well lived and challenging love for each other in our special place that perhaps only we understand- as no one else is navigating our ship, at times our lifeboat. I wish for everyone that run on sentence that never ends.

G and H-I am so happy we created “A Place to call Our Own.” Our time together over this year has been just Great. Ira and I drive out to see you and I look forward to “coming home.” I walk through the door, exchange hugs laced with long term familiarity and our day begins.

We talk, we laugh, we eat, we play and stay all day. Our canasta game has improved as your teaching skills are professional. This brings me back to my childhood of days, unscathed, when the world had a different profile of Peace. I played on Stone Avenue until the street lights went on. Well, I am back to playing games, as life repeats itself.

I couldnt be happier to have found a game we share in common. We have walked the path of life together and we have come full circle. you have welcomed Ira into your home and your hearts as if he were one of your own. He is extremely fond of you and looks forward to our days well spent. Life is good every time we return and resume “A Place to Call Our Own.”