Al and I were very happy...We were bouth delighted to finally find our 'second half'...But our Joy was mixed with great Sadness, after we found out that Al's Mother Clara, was diagnosed with "Cancer" Al was flying to New Jersey twice a month, in order to visit his sick mother... Even though we spoke to her on the phone, it was not the same as being by her side! Clare began treatments at the local hospital in New Jersey... Two days before we celebrated our first Wedding Anniversary, Al's younger brother Steve came to Puerto Rico, together with a "Big Portion"of our 'Wedding Cake' which was kept in a Deep 'Freezer' all this time... At one point Al and I had a long discussion, about having a baby...We were totally happy to be by ourselves, not wishing for 'Anything or Anyone' to "Interfere"... A baby would be a big change and even a bigger Responsibility!x" We told each other. However, we were not getting younger and realized, that "Getting Pregnant", would make Al's mother very happy and give her something to be looking for and may help her forget her "Health problems... We knew, how glad our families and friends would be by the news; but we still hesitated... It took the two of us a long time to find one another; we were very happy together and feared to spoil our Great Joy... However, we knew how excited Al's mom would be and felt guilty for 'being Selfish'... Eventually we let go of our fears that having a baby may spoil our togetherness... However, the more we talked about it; the more we became excited... One day when Al was talking with his parents in New Jersey, he told his Mom that I wanted to talk to her and handed me the phone...
"How are you doing Mom?" I asked. "Not so good Shira"... My mother-in-law answered with a sad almost 'Apologetic' ton of voice..."Well, I have something to tell you which would make you feel much better!" I told her..."What is it Shira?" Clara answered in a weak and tired voice..."How would you like to become a Grandmother again?" I asked..."My God! Such amazing news! How soon?! I know it will be a baby girl, so you will have a name for me, after I am gone! I also know I will not be here, to hold her in my arms, but it is so wonderful to know, there will be someone to carry on my name!" she said "Please don't Xtalk this way Mom!" I told her, tears rolling down my cheeks: "You now have a reason to live for!"... "I don't think I will make it Shira, but just knowing about the baby, makes me feel much better! She said... I had to to wipe off my tears and could see Al doing the same...
On the last week of June Al's father called; asking us to fly to New Jersey Right Away! In the hospital we found Clara, propped up on several pillows...She was a petite woman and lying in the big bed made her look even smaller.. She was very weak, but still had her usual sweet, welcoming smile on her lips... We were coming to the hospital several times a day; sitting and holding her hand, talking in a low voice and looking at her sweet face... When Clara fell asleep, as she often did (sometime even at the middle of a sentence) we set patiently, waited for her to wake up and were watching the news on the T.V... Clara was very interested in politics and was following the news about the 'Watergate Scandal'."I hope Nicson would be Impeached!" She said passionately..."This man does not deserve to be a president!" Al and I were holding her hand in turns... At times, when I felt the baby moving, I put Clara's hand on my belly and was rewarded by her cry of Joy and a look of Amazement...
Al's parents lead a 'Fun field life'... Hosting dinner parties, going out to fine restaurants and classical music. concerts...The two of them celebrated holidays, birthdays and anniversaries with their large family and friends; enjoyed Art Exhibits and had 'Season Tickets for Classical music, Theater and the Opera... Clara was involved with several 'Charities organizations and traveled with her husband and friends to Europe and the Far East... Now, she no longer talked about their exciting Social Life, but was telling us stories about the time her three sons were small... At one point she asked for a bottle of Champagne to be brought to her privet room... Still the perfect Hostess she was sitting in her bed, supported by pillows looking like a graceful and Regal Queen... She asked all of us to hold up our champagne glasses and was taking turns talking to each person in the room, wishing us health, Love and happiness... Clara loved to talk about her sons childhood, her two Grand Kids and the unborn baby in my womb...X"I know it would be a girl!"She said 'Let's drink to her life: "Le'chaim!" I knew Clara's was giving her" Final Party and realized that this delicate and refined Lady; was saying her final Goodbye...
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| Obituary for Al's Mom |
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| 4th of July |
On the night of July 4th (American Independents Day) my mother in law Clara Deitsch, past away...She was only sixty years old... I told Al that his mother's was going to Heaven illuminated and escorted by Fireworks! After the funeral and the seven days of morning, Al and I flew back to Puerto Rico with heavy hearts... Since the beginning of my pregnancy, the two of us were talking about moving back to the U.S... New Jersey was out of the question, since Al detested the the cold weather! This was the main reason he chose to live in the Caribbeans... Clara's death made us realize how sad we were, that our baby will never meet her Grandmother.At one point I asked Al: "What do you think about moving to Israel?" Before the 'Six Days War', Israel was attacked without any provocation by several of it's Arab neighbors:"Egypt, Jordan and Syria as well as Arab countries, which had no borders with Israel:(Algeria, Kuwait, Iraq and Moroco..X) Tiny Israel won the war against all odds! It was almost like the Biblical story about David and Goliath! Tourists from all over the world, were arriving in droves to see and congratulate this brave and amazing tiny country... The Economy was booming: New hotels were built in order to accommodate the influx of Admiring Visitors, who came from all over the world to congratulate the citizens of this Tiny Country...
"How about settling in Israel?"X I asked Al... "Israel?!" He said shocked... "Yes, Israel! Why not?" I answered..."It has a mild climate, I have a large loving family and lots of friends; "With your Hotel experience as the 'Food and Beverage Manager' of prestigious hotels, like the Hilton and Sheraton hotels you would be able to get a great position, in one of the largest hotels in Israel!" X I told him..."But I don't speak Hebrew!" Al protested, "I told you how I hated Mr Levy, my Hebrew school teacher! I have never been in Israel before! All I know is that Israel is a small country with big problems with Arab countries all around it and I realy I don't like wars!" Al often used his sense of humor to mask his fears... I was always amused, when he was acting as the 'Anti-Hero', but even though he was joking, I could see he was really scared. It was so different from my 'Macho' Israeli friends..."Please Al, don't be ridiculous darling! You have lived for eight years in Puerto Rico, without complaining about it's size! let's admit it: Both of us had enough of Island Living, especially now, after Mario and Marganet left for Florida...It may be the time for us to make a change: Let's go to Israel for a month; I am sure you are going to be pleasantly surprised! The climate is warm, yet it has the 'Four Seasons' we missed so much in Puerto Rico!"
Al agreed to "Give it a try"...We decided to travel to Israel for the High Holidays."Every Jew, even those who are not Religious, should visit Israel at least once!" I said "It is quiet an experience to see how empty the streets ar, on the holiday of 'Yom Kipur': No cars, no buses, not even motorcycles, or bicycles! Most of the people are in the Synagogue and those who are not, stay home: The city seems deserted!" After resisting Al Finally agreed to go to Israel for a visit...I haven't seen my friends and extended family for Three Years and couldn't wait for them, to meet my husband and daughter... I was busy buying gifts for my extended family and my friends children... I also promised Eli and Yedida, our new "Chosen Family" in Puerto Rico, to visit their families in Jerusalem and give them and their kids, the gifts they asked us to deliver, which were now packed in our four big Suit Cases...
After spending several days with Al's family and friends in N.J; we arrived at Kennedy Airport with our four large, bulging suitcases... Before boarding the Israeli plain EL AL, we had to go through rigorous security check up ... Our luggage was opened by Israeli young men (wearing gloves) who looked at us and our luggage 'Suspiciously'... They also asked many questions: "Did you pack it by yourselves? Did anyone give you anything to carry for them? Did you leave the suitcases unattended at any time, even for just a few moments?" I could tell that Al was getting nervous...X"Why are you asking all these questions?" He said, X"Is something wrong?" He was patiently told that they must be very careful about Terrorists, who may put an 'Explosive device' in our luggage..."We are asking these questions sir, to prevent the repeat of such previous attempts, please forgive us for the inconvenience!" "Oh No! Please don't stop, take your time! I don't want any explosive devices, traveling with us to Israel, especially not on my first trip to the Holy Land with my Pregnant Wife!" Al said, making the security people laugh and pat him hard on the shoulder... However, I could tell that he was still quiet nervous...
We finally boarded the plain and settled down in our seats, surrounded by loud and friendly Israeli, who were going back home... Upon hearing that this was Al's first trip to Israel, they began to give him advice about the best sights to visit in Israel and how we "Shouldn't miss 'such and such' place" and were urging Al to settle down in Israel for good! X"We need young families in our country!" They said, looking at my belly and clapping Al (rather hard) on his shoulder... They gave him their phone number and made us promise to come for a visit them at their home! X"We'll Put something on the fire!" (BBQ) they said. The plane took off and Al and I were ready for the long flight to Israel: "The Land of Milk and Honey!" I was at the end of my fifth month of pregnancy...
With Love and Light,
Shira
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