Family Reunions

I'm always a little reluctant to post about myself, but when there's a teaching moment, I can't exactly resist.

We've talked plenty about holidays and how horrible they are for so many, many people. And because we do this, the emphasis on the good takes a second seat, no seat at all, probably.

But when you reach an age that your children (most) are married (some still do this) and have children of their own, your focus is upon that new generation of young people, the grandchildren. You so want them to be healthy, in every single way, and to follow your traditions, if at all possible, and be the best people they can be.

When they are all together, under your roof, and the noise decibels compete with a good residence hall party, perhaps run away with the prize, there is nothing better. It is an ultimate high, and this is why holidays, for some, have the potential to be truly wonderful.

And in the middle of all of that, feeling quite good, the brain spinning with things to do and, let's not not say it, is filled with joy, you know that this is rare, that many people don't ever have that, can't ever, and it absolutely grieves me.

It is an experience my rabbi would say is perfectly normal, this switching from happiness (he refers to weddings), to sadness (a funeral) all in the same day.

Somehow we have to be able to switch it on and off, all in a moment, to be real people, not animals. When we're happy, we have to temper it, remember that so many are not.

So happy, and sad, holidays to all.

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