Today was my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.
We had a great time – a fantastic time and I’m so glad that we celebrated in style.
But a Bat Mitzvah is way more than a party – it represents a very long preparation to read from the Torah in HEBREW – without any vowels (which for those in the know, is a seriously hard task) and lead the service – which she did both Friday night and Saturday morning (the two main service times for the Sabbath which begins Friday evening and ends Saturday evening).
I couldn’t help think of that song from the 80’s (because EVERYTHING reminds of some song from the 80s) by The Godfathers: “Birth, School, Work, Death.” That song, as I recall, didn’t carry the most positive message and today was all positivity. However, I did seem to feel like all of life’s major moments were convening at once.
Robyn is unlike anyone I know. Yes, I am biased because I am her dad and no, she is not without her flaws – of which we are working, as we are with her brother and yours truly. But, she is that sort of person who is thoughtful in her approach and deliberate in her action. She carries the intuitive insight of someone far beyond her years – and always has. As I mentioned to someone today, for years now, I would be having a discussion and then have to remind myself that I am talking to a 5, 7, 10 or 12 year-old.
Reflecting on the pride and love you have for your kids – really having that opportunity outside of shuttling to field hockey or baseball games, doing homework, making dinner, pleading to pick up their clothes or just go to bed – that is a gift. I cannot speak for other parents, but while I can find myself nestled in moments of gratitude on a daily basis, it is different than sitting and watching your child do his or her thing for an extended period of time.
It is so humbling.
I put together a photo montage – one of those slideshows you can do through your Mac and add music to and just didn’t see the passage of time through those memories, but really felt it. The feelings were overwhelming and only grew as the days grew closer to the big event. In fact, I couldn’t even write a quick speech to her without welling up. I had to do it after they went to bed late last night.
Seeing a family that used to be – well, today was a death of what might have been but also a renewal, or birth of this incredible human journey unfolding before our eyes. It was so important for me to have family and friends, whether close or more distant, witness that, in fact, beauty resides and unfolds in the midst of challenge, in the face of uncertainty and despite the darker edges of reality that sometimes wake us up in the middle of the night.
It really is impossible to dim a light that wants to get in. I wish that we could all pay attention more to those streams of light that are fighting to sneak through the crevices and fan out to the masses. It’s a wondrous thing to see and it can take your breath away.
Until next time,
Marc
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