Family

Shalom:
West Union, Ohio.
Amish Land.
While I have always admitted the Amish people; they faith, they values. I even have a devotional I love entitled Amish Peace. But I never realise that a huge part of our healing would be found in the heart of Amish country.


Mark's brother and family live in the heart of Amish country. In fact, their home, owned by an Amish family is being rented to our family.
Not only is it huge, but lovely and the craftsmanship is amazing.
It is here, with our family that our healing began.
As I said in another entry, Todd and his family welcomed us with open arms and hearts. Even down to the bedroom they created for us; the feel of a jewish honeymoon suite, with sweet little touches.

I met the children eight years ago, just before the wedding. They were so young and I was afraid they wouldn't remember me.
But they did! To hear my two nephews and one niece call me "Aunt Laini!"meant the world to both Mark and I.
And of course everyone fell in love with Monti.
We had planned only to stay a day or two. But thanks to celebrating Passover and then an incoming snow storm, we were there five.
If we weren't committed to moving to Montana, West Union could have easily become home.
More next time.

Good Night, My Beloved: Part 2

Boker Tov:
As the nation awakes this Monday morning, we slowly come to grips with the nightmare of Thursday evening.
I am so thankful that both Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney stopped the back and forth and focus on their fellow Americans; both fathers and husbands, both holding their wives and children closer and encouraging us to do so as well. Both led the nation in prayer; both grieve.
I remember Mark waking me up with the news Friday morning. The tears that flowed through our prayers.
Today, families will begin the difficult task of preparing to lay their loved ones to rest, to say that final goodbye.
My thoughts go back to my summer devotional, Amish Peace.
"Never bury the body of your loved one before accepting resurrection in return."

One story from Amish Peace is the story of Esther, who's five year old son was killed by a speeding car. David Jr. was involved in a game of treasure hunt, riding his scooter when, riding out into the street he was hit.
As Esther knelt by the body of her child, she states she was filled with a calm she couldn't describe.
"I felt a Presence around me that controlled me." What Esther felt was the Presence of G-d, giving her strength.
It was that calm, that strenght that made Esther leave David and go comfort the young man that killed her son, to forgive him. It was that same strenght that allowed her to release David, knowing one day she would see him again.
Grieve isn't easy. Esther, despite her strong faith struggled. But she wasn't alone; G-d was with her.
I remember when our family was rocked with a murder; a family member stabbed to death by her husband with a butcher knife in front of their children. I remember not being able to sleep for weeks. And though it has been over 30 years, I still cannot touch a butcher knife.
I continue to light candle in memories of those who have passed from this life to the next. I shall pray for the Peace of G-d, for all involved. That they will feel His Presence during this time.

A Day of Rest and Peace

Lailia Tov;
First I wish to thank all of you who have reached out with such encouraging words. Believe me, it does help me get through those rough patches of depression that come along.
I have come to realize that BlogLand (for lack of a better word) is really a community. Yes, we all have a common interest, blogging. But for many of us, it goes futher than that. For some us, we actually become friends, forming bonds that may not never had happen if it wasn't for the internet. Yes, I do believe now that one can really get to know folks, form friendships and relationship over the impersonal computer. And frankly, it is being able to blog as well as my online buddies, yes, I would even say in many cases, family, that has kept me sane.
It has been a quiet day. A day of peace.
I am almost finish reading a book called Amish Peace. And you don't have to be Amish to benefit from its pearls of wisdom.
It has been a slow read, for it calls for reflection with each chapter. But like a nice piece of cheese, chocolate or glass of wine, it is enjoy by small bites and sips.
And it being the First Day of Spring helped my mood.
I opened the back door, allowing the sunshine and fresh air in.
My thoughts went to my beloved: wondering how his first Challah came out, wondering how his little herb garden is coming along. Wondering how the plans for Passover is coming along.
Tonight, after this entry, I need to write him a letter. Tomorrow, go shopping and prepare a CarePackage for Passover.
And then the real fun begins.
His birthday.
Now about that later