The True Value of a Happy Home
There is no doubt that packing up a home for moving day is no easy task. I imagine reading these words may be sending a thud into your chest as you remember some of the moves you’ve made in your life. Going away to school, moving to a new city for big job, uprooting your children and perhaps hugging them through their tears, saying, “Don’t worry, you will have new friends,” while fervently hoping that they would make those friends quickly.
I made a very big move at the start of 2023 when I left the bright and spacious condo that Myra and I had enjoyed as our last home. Packing up my study filled with books, pictures and art work along with thousands of papers, letters and “stuff” was a monumental chore. There were memories and reminders at every turn. As grateful as I am for the love and help I have from my four sons and their wives and children, I admit that it was very challenging to watch all of my things being packed up.
I did not think I was ready to handle such a huge change in my life. All that I could see was that Myra was missing.
We had made so many moves over our life together. With Myra running the show, there was no problem that could not be solved, no delay that could not be managed. Myra had a true talent for taking charge in these things.
Whenever someone would tell her “You can’t do that,” Myra would nod and say, “Just watch me.”
Now, six months after my move, I am still acclimating and finding my new reality.
I have a study with a bright window that is being fitted with bookshelves, a desk and file cabinets. I have room for my piano, and I have the pleasure of enjoying becoming reacquainted with my treasures and unexpected finds.
It’s not the same as what used to be, but, I am okay.
In fact, I think Myra would be comforted to know that I am getting along and continuing to find my way to living as full a life as I can in a new community that offers many new people and experiences.
One of the rewards of “downsizing” or going through boxes that have been stashed away in storage is the discovery of things we may not have seen in a great many years. Out of one of the many boxes I have came a sermon that I wrote in May of 1988. It’s called Family—A Time for Loving.
As I read it, I could see Myra and all of her strength and kindness at the center of our home. I cherish her, and the memory of her to this day.
Myra adored our busy family life and was the one who kept us grounded and focused on our goals with her “can do” attitude. It was her commitment to being our guardian as a devoted wife and mother that always kept us on the path to protect our happy home, even through times of challenge. Even through the stress of uprooting young children to bring them to their new home in Boca Raton.
These are things I thought about when I read this sermon that I wrote 35 years ago.
You can read it by clicking here: It’s called Family—A Time for Loving.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Merle E. Singer
Attitude is the most important thing in life. There is always something to look forward to if you are determined to find it. I am reminded of Myra’s words, “Don’t worry about what you don’t have. Do your best with what you do have.”