Hi there Dara I hope its allright
If I post my thoughts on the blog tonight
Of you and many others I'd like to speak
As I share mom to mom my experience this week
This message is for all of you
For all that you've done & continue to do...
There's an age old saying that most everyone knows
"It takes a village to raise a child" is basically how it goes
Well this week I discovered how true it is, and more -
The village that I live in is one that I adore
With a kick I didn't see coming I had landed in bed
My girls and I caught the flu-with aches from toe to head
Dad was out of town for a family celebration
So my Village Family rose to the occasion
The emails, thoughtful calls, they weren't merely polite
"Can I shop? Can I cook? How can make it right?"
"I'd be happy to drive dovi to catch the Irvine bus"
All without fanfare, attention or fuss
Groceries, supplies & medicine arrived at my door
If I asked for something, you brought me that, and more!
Books & videos for the kids, even flowers for me
"Can I come cook you chicken soup or make a pot of tea?"
Well by now I must admit it was getting hard to speak
(But not because of the fever that had made me weak)
I was left speechless by the genuine concern and care
The support & the love by my Family out here
I truly don't know what I would have otherwise done
Feeling so sick, with sick little ones
So now you know how I know, the age old saying's true
And why I feel blessed to be living in the same village as you.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you again
May we share in one another's healthy, happy occasions!
Debbie Orgen wrote...
Having moved recently from Irvine to Palm Desert, where the "Village" is very different, I find nevertheless a definite similarity and consistency between the two. Jewish women by and large have a similar "Jewish soul" irrespective of age, level of observance, place of birth, or lifestyle choices. We all want the best for our familes, friends, loved ones. And we pray - be it from a book in a set environment or from our heads, hearts, mouths as we drive down the street, shop at the mall, pick up kids from school or enter the doctor's office. And the essence of the prayer is the same...."Please G-d give me strength," "Please G-d keep (him, her, us, them)safe," "Please G-d let it all be ok." In fact as Jewish women we are given special time, unique only to us to petition G-d; to ask, to request that he grant us health & happiness and all that "those things" encompass. This time is none other than Shabbat candle lighting. I recently sent my 5 year old granddaughter a teaset since she loves playing house. She called me to say thank you, informing me that she was so happy when the gift arrived because she has been "praying to G-d" each week for that very item. I couldn't help but laugh while feeling a deep inner warmth that I was able to not merely buy her a new toy, but give her something she was "praying" for.
And as I move towards getting involved with my new village/community, I keep all of you - the members of my Chabad Laguna Niguel community in my prayers and reflect on the wonderful memories I have of all times spent there over the past 4 years.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year - all the best for 2010.
C. Lorraine Goldstein wrote...
It really shouldn't come as a surprise to you as to how we have all become family. You not only inspire us, but teach us as well. (And some of us are in awe of all that you manage to do!) It is very comforting to know that help and or a shoulder is only a call away - that's what a family "village" does. We don't stand on ceremony... we just do.
When all is said and done, I find that it's the accumulation of all the little things in life that mean so much. An errand for this one, a prayer for that one, a much needed hug or just a tender touch of a hand. Sometimes just a smile or a nod can make someone's day. It says "I Care." Not only for when times are good but for all days... good, bad or indifferent.
My mother grew up in the small village of Green River in Canada. The whole town center was only one mile long. I too was blessed to "grow up" there as well - even if it was just on school and summer vacations. I experienced it first hand. My grandparent's farm was on the outskirts of the town proper.
What I love about our "village" is that I get the same warm feeling of honest caring that comes from the heart - and a sense of belonging to a wonderfully diverse family. To know that we can all count on each other to be there to share the joys, the blessings and sadness too.
I liken our community to a puzzle - with different odd sized pieces... but when all the different peices come together as a whole - it makes such a beautiful picture.
As for Debbie, you will always be part of our village no matter where you move to! Your smiling face is missed on Shabbat, Holidays and just missed in general. It's good to know you will still be visiting from time to time. I, for one, will be looking forward to it.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2010 -
May Hashem bless and send each and everyone of you what you are "praying for" too!