Of Cataract Surgery

Now that my double cataract surgeries are behind me and, thank G-d, successful, I can see the world in ways I have not been able to since childhood.  For the first time in five decades, my glasses are not among the first things I put on in the morning.  Imagine my delight when, upon awakening about 5:00 in the morning the day after the first operation, I could actually read the time on a digital clock across the room without reaching for the specs.  Trees, sky, flowers are all clearly visible with the naked eye!  Colors are more vibrant.  It is a bit saddening to think that I had to develop cataracts in order to receive this magnificent gift of enhanced eyesight, but I am grateful for every leaf and sign that is so much easier to spot now.  And I am assured it will only get better.  I can hardly wait.

Grandchildren

At that awesome moment of birth, when we gaze upon our newborn for the first time, we believe that nothing can transcend the feelings of joy, wonder, love, and gratitude we experience.  And that holds true, even though these emotions reemerge with the arrival of each child: no other phenomenon can quite compare with the birth of a child.

No other phenomenon, that is, until the first grandchild is born.  At this moment that defies description, all the emotions that burst forth with a child’s birth are renewed, and multiplied, when that child becomes a parent.  Milestones that delight Mommy and Daddy are boundless sources of joy and pride for Grandma and Grandpa.  Nothing can compare with answering the phone and discovering that a little grandchild is on the other end and wants to talk to the grandfolks, and ends the conversation with “I love you” and a kiss.  Talk about ecstasy. . .

As our home is happily full of grandchildren this week, we have had many opportunities to enjoy the youngsters.  When, after their extended visit comes to an end (as it must), and our lives return to normal, we are sure to feel the void left by their return home.  The silence will be deafening, I am sure.  But for now, let us revel in the presence of these magnificent little people who have filled our hearts with joy and love since their arrival in our family.

 

Post-Wedding Joy

The Big Event took place last week on a picture-perfect day.  The weather was beautiful, the bride radiant, the groom joyful.  The assembled family and friends had a marvelous time at the festivities.  The celebration continued all week, as (according to traditional Jewish practice) different people hosted a festive meal in honor of the newly married couple each day, and the meaningful blessings recited at the ceremony were repeated.

Now that the special day is an even more special memory, we are returning to our normal routine.  For the booklover, that naturally means delving into the stacks of unread books patiently awaiting my attention during these happily busy weeks.  As this pile grows smaller and the heap of read books increases in size, I’ll share my favorites.  In the meantime, here are a few titles that are well worth reading.

16-year-old Katie and her father live alone in their huge house following her mother’s death.  In an effort to cope with her grief, the teen takes a summer gardening job on an old estate.  Katie becomes fascinated by the aura of mystery surrounding the elderly owner (who no one ever sees) and, with the assistance of a co-worker and a glamorous librarian (my favorite character!) uncovers the past of her reclusive employer–and she and her grieving father begin the healing process from their own sorrow.  Young Adult

Violet Paz may be half Cuban, but she feels 100% American.  So when her grandmother enthusiastically begins planning a lavish traditional quinceanera to mark the teen’s fifteenth birthday, she is not exactly keen on the idea.  What’s a girl to do?  With a sense of humor (her quirky extended family members become subjects for her speech team’s Original Comedy competition) and a bit of ingenuity, Violet comes up with a plan.  Young Adult

11-year-old Primrose loves visiting The Girl on the Red Swing (a restaurant where everything is served on a waffle) and spending time with Kate Bowzer, its owner–who might be almost the only adult who understands her.  Since her parents disappeared at sea in a storm, everyone but Primrose is convinced they have died.  Her adventures–and misadventures–make for delightful reading.  Ages 10-13