golden

Today we attended Rami's BarMitzvah. To see a child so celebrated by his family, community and friends at the service and then again afterward with loving toasts always triggers so much emotion and wonder. Thirteen is a perfect moment to catch a child turning the corner into adult life- so full of challenges, to assure him that he inspires those around him and that he is well on his way to what is good and true. I listened to David, Rami's father, congratulate his son on his kindness, his sense of fairness, integrity and honor. His joy filled the room and he spoke of his own father, the legacy of the generations and the things that make a father proud. I could see Rami watching his father with such admiration and love. Rami is truly a delightful young man, named for his grandfather who passed away just before he was born. For those thirteen years since, David has worn his father's medal of honor from the Israeli army- until today when he quietly reached behind his shirt collar, took it off and put it on his son. It was a powerful moment for any parent in the room. Or any child who has known the depth of parental love.

Yesterday was the fifth anniversary of my father's passing and honestly, I was a little bit unaware of that- of the actual date. I knew I wanted to be outside because it was so beautiful, the season so quickly changing like partners on a dance floor. And it was- spectacularly so. This bench in the woods- I know my dad would have liked this spot. He was an outdoor guy and if we were sitting together he might have told me about some forest fact he knew- about a bird, a leaf. And all I would have heard would have been the love in his voice. I hear it still. He'd be glad that I was outside snooping around, looking at the trees, the sky, the golden leaves.

Tomorrow we'll have all three of our girls in the room together only for an hour or two if we can manage it and that will be it until Christmas. Mo is sneaking home early to surprise her sisters. We haven't seen her since August and are about to burst with excitement. Thanksgiving on a Sunday, a few days early- oh, that works for me. Golden moments, dancing when we can. xoC

Comments

[Pam]

Very sweet. It brings me almost to tears the thought of it, my dad too is gone and we were very close.

Enjoy your hour!

[*Heidi*]

Very lovely sentiments of your father. Hope you have fun with the girls!

[Carolyn Peeler]

You write so beautifully Charlotte. I really enjoyed todays post.

I hope you have a great time with the girls.

xoxo

[Jennifer Paganellli]

Charlotte you write so beautifully, I love that we live so close I hope you'll come to our open house! I really enjoyed our few minutes between classes and would love to get to know you better...all my love, Jennifer

[jenny b harris]

Beautiful photos, sweet and loving post. Your dad would be so proud of your ability to put such tender thoughts into words.

[Kerri N.]

Enjoy your time with the girls. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Jeannie]

Your writing is like a warm quilt or a hug, just beautiful. You are passing on your father's love of the outdoors and you through your art and writing. Wishing you a wonderful day with your girls.
Cheers.

[pearl maple]

Congrats on your succsess at Silver Bella. Your blog space is a lovely place to visit, the photos you share a beautiful. Blogs are such an amazing vehicle to connect like minded people and seems to make the world a little smaller and nicer.

[Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss]

Such a beautiful story. I attended my nephews BarMitzvah a few years ago, I didn't know what to expect. It was beyond description. The ceremony itself was so moving, and his father too, stood up and spoke of his son and how honored he was. (My nephews Grandfather had just passed away the year before and didn't get to see him make this milestone) It was so emotional but beautiful all the same.

[kerry lynn]

such a beautiful post. love.
xoxo

[Stephanie Howell]

Your posts are always so beautiful and meaningful. Hope you had a special Thanksgiving.

[carol eldridge]

Charlotte-
I too lost my wonderful Dad just 3 years ago, the day before Thanksgiving. He had just been at our house the day before helping me with our yellow lab, Latte, who had been very sick.Then, just like that, Dad was gone. Two days later Latte followed Dad to Heaven. It was a sad and extremely difficult week, but I take comfort in the fact that they are together.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family
best,
carol