This is a variation of what was the last post on Linda's Non-Motorcycle Diary (http://360.yahoo.com/lbk821), keeping Linda's friends up to date on what was going on. The posts were addressed to the blog-reading public. Today, I really start the next step on my journey with a letter to Linda. Over our eight plus year history, we used our Hebrew names for our letters and cards.
April 22, 2008
My sweet Tovah:
Very first thing: You are absolutely correct: New York Chinese food is way better than California. No question about it. We went for dinner at Seven Woks and it was fabulous, including spareribs as they are meant to be. And all the fortunes were good -- not trite. Mine says: "Many possibilities are open to you -- work a little harder."
And I will have to work harder. Because now it's up to me to do all the large and small things that you have always done. Like Ketzl's fountain, all the laundry, checking inventory of plastic bags, soap and shampoo, paper plates, etc.
I remember on more than one occasion you commenting on why it was so much easier for me to pack, getting ready for one of our trips. Because all I had to take care of was my own clothing and toiletries. You always handled "the other stuff" -- the variety of ointments, meds, moist towelettes and bandaids; the adapters for European current; the battery charger and extra batteries and memory cards for the cameras; the clothespins and clotheslines (came in handy on the QM2); utensils (as long as it's not knives brought to England) for picnics; extra toiletries; night lights; cups ... the list is long. Fortunately, somewhere on your computer are the packing lists from which I can work.
So over these amazing eight years, I've learned a lot from you (and I hope you learned some things from me as well). Here's just a beginning:
* Not to be redundant, but New York Chinese food really IS better.
* There is a correct way to load a dishwasher.
* Everything has a place. If you take something out, put it back. Always. Really.
* Save the receipts on significant purchases, and keep them with the instruction manuals and warranties (and possibly the original box). In a file.
* Make folders at the beginning of each year for credit card and bank statements, tax deductible items, medical expenses, etc. This will save a LOT of time come next April.
* Take time to smell the roses ... and admire all other flowers as well.
* Appreciate the butterflies, too.
* Take lots of photographs, especially in this digital age when the pix can be edited or deleted.
* Be thoughtful and sensitive to people's needs.
* Be generous with cards and gifts. People will always remember the kindness.
* Consider the consequences of any particular course of action.
* Don't be intimated by mechanical things -- they are only things and can be figured out.
* Pay attention to when things go on sale: almost everything will go on sale at some point.
* There's no such thing as too much (gold) jewelry.
* Say "I love you" to those you love.
Here's a slightly mushy quote that came through recently:
"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy; they just promised it would most likely be worth it."
I know it was worth it for me. You took a chance. It changed our lives. And we let it.
Thank you for finding me and coming in to my life.
Thank you for loving me so fully.
Thank you for bringing me two more wonderful sons.
Thank you for showing me how to live with courage and conviction.
Thank you for bringing so many movies and so much music into my life.
Thank you for teaching me so many things. There are still so many more things to learn.
Thank you for almost nine wonderful years.
Thank you for your wonderful smile.
Thank you for your gentle touch.
Thank you for being you, and allowing me to be me.
The sun rises each morning, the days get longer. The fruits on the apricot, apple, nectarine and peach have set and are growing nicely. It's time to get the tomatoes planted.
So as I set out on the next stage of my journey, if ever I get stuck, I will ask myself: "What would Linda do?"
I hope that you realize how important you were, not just to me but to everyone whose lives you touched, from White Plains HS class of 66 to Jayson Camps, to people in Ohio and here in San Jose.
I will miss you. I love you and will keep you in my heart forever.
XOXOXOX
your dvora
