Connections

Today was the polar opposite of yesterday. Gilly woke up with his signature smile and from that moment on I knew he had slept on the right side of the bed. I am so grateful for days like this. It pleases me beyond measure to see him experience a resurgence of energy.

I helped Grandma Shirley prepare for tonight's royal banquet (as Noam calls it). Although I did considerably less than usual (nothing in fact), I'm sure that my presence was as appreciated as always. Just being together during holiday preparations feels right; us women folk have always done so, and I hope we continue biz a hundert un tzvantzik. Susie, Tamara and Auntie Ruth are the gals who really deserve credit for helping Grandma create a seder extraordinaire. I lounged on Grandma's grand divan, and reconnected with Auntie Kayla over the telephone. Meanwhile, Susie and Grandma stuffed the turkey.

I thoroughly enjoyed shooting the breeze with my sister-in-law (the Israeli connection) this afternoon, something I rarely have the opportunity to do. We have so much in common. I wish we could live closer to one another.

Safta Sema stayed back to nurse a cold and fever. Feel better (says Noam). We hope to find her in better condition to greet Doreen and Jamie when they arrive tomorrow for a specially planned visit to Montreal.

My sister-in-law Susie (the Canadian connection) led tonight's proceedings to hysterical proportions. Great fun was had by all. I documented snipet's of the events on film for posterity (in honour of Grandpa Haskell).