Well, Dear Readers, it’s great to be back. I have been recuperating from a nasty little operation on my… none of your beeswax.
My hideous internal abscess of March returned with a vengeance and surgical intervention was necessary to get me healing.
Ugh. The bad news is that it’s a long, slow process. Let’s just say I won’t be wearing a bathing suit any time soon.
But the good news is that my condition is NOT life-threatening and I’m semi-out and about and able to write again.
However my energy level and wardrobe choices do still limit my activities and I’ve had to pick and choose events I can show up at these days.
And the first event I attended post-op was an important one.
It was the Risa K. Lambert Luncheon to benefit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.
My post “Never Again” explains why I fervently support this museum- and all that it stands for. Please read it if you haven’t already.
Now you know why I found the afternoon so inspirational. You’d have to be made of stone if you weren’t moved to tears by the tales of bravery and hope in the face of unimaginable human suffering and loss.
And you’d have to be an idiot if you didn’t feel frightened by the political climate change so chillingly apparent in the wake of Charlottesville.
Just seeing that menacing and oddly familiar footage of thugs chanting “Jews will not replace us” made me think it was 1939 all over again.
But this time we can’t turn a blind or worse- indifferent- eye to the news. We know exactly what cruelty human beings can dole out.
We heard some of those stories but we also heard stories of courage, redemption and incredible sacrifice.
And at the end of the program, the audience lit candles in memory of those who perished and we all pledged a resolution that the ugliest chapter in twentieth century history would not repeat itself ever again.
We vowed that prejudice and hatred would not be tolerated- regardless of one’s religion, race or creed.
As I lit my candle and swore my promise, I got a text from my son, Nick.
He and his wife Missy were on the way to the hospital.
And on Saturday, September 9, I lit another kind of candle.
A birthday one.
Happy birthday, Hendrix Benjamin Ross.
As I blew out his birthday candle, I wished him a better world.
It’s up to us now.
Somehow, there is always that ray of sunshine in a cloudy world. Andi and I attended the luncheon as well and left uplifted, despite the “political climate change” swirling around us.
Let’s hope we can make the world warm and comforting for your, our and everyone’s grandchildren. Much Mazel to you and your family! Welcome to the world, Hendrix.
Thanks, Michael. Beautifully said. And, as always, good to know we’re on the same page. Here’s to hope. 🥂
Glad you’re feeling better and back to writing. I’m so happy you were at the luncheon. You too are inspiring in your sentiments of the day. The speakers did bring us to tears. Congratulations on the arrival of Hendrix and may he live in a safe and happy world.
Thank you, Terri. For your friendship, kind words and all your efforts on behalf of this most worthy of causes. Your generosity of deed and spirit is an inspiration to me. ❤️
Glad to read you are out and about
We visited D.C. In April. We were able to get tickets to the Holocaust Museum
I still cannot believe how Hitler could treat certain people as less than cattle.
The piles of confiscated shoes tells the horror story in one photo.
Glad you are a supporter of such a worthwhile institution
Thank you, Holly. Your interest and visit help to insure that none of us will ever suffer these horrors. And I’m Proud to be a very small part of an important institution. I’m looking forward to visiting their new exhibit next Spring. Hope you and your beautiful family are great. See you somewhere between Florida and Eagle River.
Hi Ellen,
I too was at the Holocaust luncheon. I wish I could remember the speaker’s name. He was eloquent and a very good story teller. In 2017… there is still so much hate in the world. We need a Holocaust chapter in every city. I’m so glad to hear that you are feeling better. If you need anything at any time, I’m a phone call away.
Congrats on the newest member of your family. If Hendrix turns out to be interested in older women, boy have I got a girl for him.
The speaker’s name was Maziar Bahari and he is the Iranian journalist and filmaker about whom the movie “Rosewater” was made. He was fabulous.
And thanks for the match-making. I love it! And you. ❤️❤️
Hi Ellen – I send a yearly donation to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. I would love to visit the museum, although I’m worried I’ll weep throughout most of my tour, which also means my nose will run continually. I guess I’ll just have to take a full box of tissues in preparation. I think it’s wonderful you find ways to support the Holocaust Museum.
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson, Hendrix. I look forward to hearing about your first visit with Hendrix when it happens.
And best wishes for a successful recovery from your surgery. The whole ordeal has been a lengthy process, at times a very scary one, so I’m happy you continue to get better.
Thank you, Susan. For your support- tears and all. I’ll join you on a tour someday. The Kleenex is on me!
And thank you for your kind words re Hendrix. I’ll fill you in soon.
Getting better every day. Friends like you are the best medicine. 🙂
Let the New Year bring you healing and happiness. My maiden name was Benjamin, my son’s middle name is Benjamin and one of the 12 Jewish tribes is Benjamin… Please tell Hendrix we welcome him with love.
Jackie, how lovely. Wishing you and yours exactly the same. My father’s name was Benjamin. He would have been thrilled. ❤️
Congrats on your grandson’s arrival.
Best wishes for a New Year full of good health and happiness! As we discussed before the luncheon, we do what we have to do!
Thanks, David. Yep. You have to take the good (Hendrix) with the bad (illness, hatred etc.) You don’t get to edit. It’s all part of the Life Package.