I wanted to share the memory that my cousin Aviva sent me:
"For me, going to visit your mother at Clearview was a special delight and holds special memories…I always had the best time with your Mom; we shared lots of laughs and I met all the country friends.
The funniest story was when Sheldon asked your mother if she had prune juice to help him with his problem. She said no, but called out the door to Shoshanna or someone else nearby to ask if they had prune juice for her cousin.
Well, Sheldon was mortified and suggested that Eva go make an announcement on the loudspeaker so the entire colony could know his personal business.
Eva is in my heart. Those summer visits hold good memories for me. What a great friend and cousin your mother was to me."After I read this, I knew I had to have at least one with the Aviva and Sheldon in Clearview. So I started the painful task of looking through pictures and albums.
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| Top Row: Aviva, Sheldon and David Middle: Daniel and Ruchie Bottom: Chaim, Mommy, Tamara and Devorah |
My mom always said we had a small family, but that wasn’t really accurate. I think she just meant that we were close. Let me explain.
My Zayda, Izak Leffel and Uncle Dovid (say it like this: Du-vid), were brothers. Uncle Dovid married Tante Hania and had three children: Chaim, Sheldon and Yossel. They lived in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.
After Uncle Sach was born, my Bubby fell into a deep depression that lasted months. Since Bubby could not take care of Mommy, Tante Hania and Uncle Dovid stepped in. They welcomed her with open arms. Mommy was delighted to live with her cousins in Brighton. Sheldon and my mom formed a special bond – the brother-sisterly kind. She was devastated when Sheldon was niftar.
Growing up, Aviva and Mommy were great friends and made sure that our families stayed close. Ruchie, David and I loved to visit our cousins in Teaneck – boy did it seem far from Brooklyn. We’d wake up early on Sunday morning to make the drive to New Jersey; it was a far-off place, with grass and trees.
Aviva, I’m so glad that you welcomed us into your hearts. Thank you for taking the time to write what is on our minds.
Hi Dena,
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm no longer at Noam, I finally had time to think about what I wanted to post to your blog.
I also had time to read all the documentation. I can so relate because my cousins had very little documentation from my grandfather and gave me his naturalization papers as well as a sefer he inscribed when I was born. There seems to have been some kind of custom that in addition to registering a birth, some people inscribed a sefer on the day a child was born. Since my landlord was from Poland he translated the naturalization papers and explained to me exactly where Leinsut, Poland was.
You’re very lucky your mom posted that beautiful birthday memory—it brought tears to my eyes since I could feel the love her kids had for her.
I didn't know your mom as well as Aviva did but the times I spent with her were always warm and welcoming.
The time that stands out most in mind was when we first took Matt to your parents home. Your home was where his first photos were taken and your mom spent so much time propping him up on a pillow and trying to make him smile. Joe and I spent such a long evening there when we finally got to my in-laws they had been worried sick about where we had been for so long.
More recently, working with Ruchie reminded me of what a legacy she left in this world--your sister is the most patient, nurturing, caring and positive person I have ever worked with. I hardly ever saw her get upset and if she did the mood was gone immediately. Her interaction with every child reminded me of your mom who was so tender and loving with all of you.
Before Matt's L'Chaim I met her at a shiva call at Joe's house for Sheldon o"h and she immediately came over to me and hugged me--I carried that with me for days afterwards.
I will always remember her exuberance and happiness when I last saw her at Matt & Larisa's L'chaim--may her warmth and good nature live on in your memories...
P.S. Everything happens for a reason: I got this job working with Ruchie so that I could have the pleasure of reconnecting with your family again—seeing most of you at the L’chaim last year (then unfortunately at the Shiva house) but then at the wedding made my heart ache at the many years I’ve missed with all of you. I feel so blessed at having the little contact we did and hope that we can keep in touch.
Dina,
DeleteFor me, memories like yours keep my Mom alive. I do remember that day that you took pictures of Matt at our house. We were all so excited to meet him.
Matt and Larisa wedding was beautiful, we had a wonderful time. It was so nice to have a simcha.
Love,
Dena
I love this new post.
ReplyDeleteSome of my best times were with you and your family. And most of all, I met Shimi and was able to create my own family to share with your mom. She loved us, we love her.
As I prepare for Avery's bar mitzvah, an event at which I will truly miss your mothers smile, I remind myself to live, laugh and most importantly love.... Laughter was what your mom did best. (and hamentaschen!)
I think I may have to post some of those early Clearview picts! Ha!
DeleteLove, Dena