Beautiful mothers

Unusually for me, I've been tossing and turning in my bed, unable to get to sleep.  I'm generally immune to jet lag.  It's now almost 4.30am and I have to get up at 8am, yet still have thoughts racing through my head.

I turned on BBC World News and watched the entire interview with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.  He left office in 2007 after 10 years in Downing and has just published his memoirs in a book called 'A Journey'.  He made the controversial decision to go to war with the U.S. to overthrow the dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein and continues to be vilified by many. 

Having just heard what he had to say in an hour-long interview, I have to admit to admiring his courage.  He was a true conviction politician, which is rare.

But it is a phone call that I had earlier with my mother that is lingering in my mind.  I am feeling so sad for her right now.  She has failing health, the beginnings of dementia and misses her partner of 52 years.  And yet she tries hard not to complain.

She was so happy when I told her last week that I was coming to London for Rosh Hashana, to take her for dinner to her brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Ruth Sandelson (your great, great uncle and aunt -- who is Israeli), and then to go to schul with her.

It was when she told me with joy that she's just bought a lovely new dress for the dinner that I, all-of-a-sudden, felt so moved.  Just a few months away from 80 and she still has the desire of every woman, to look good.  She told me how she saw the dress in a sale and that she's five sizes smaller than she was.  She said that she hoped I'd like it.

Ageing is cruel.  You are a gorgeous little girl, with your whole life ahead of you.  People admire you everywhere you go, you are constantly looked after and protected.  In contrast, my mother is alone, with limited years ahead of her.  She's not admired when she walks down the high street and is certainly not being looked after.  And yet she was, and is, the most wonderful wife and mother.

I should rejoice in her small joy in buying her new dress.  And when I see her, I will tell her that she's the most beautiful mother in the world.

One day, I hope you will also have a son who admires you, maybe many sons and daughters.  But cherish your youth, because it slips away all-too-fast. 

By the time you read this, you may not remember my dear mother Avis.  So I want you to know how lovely she is.  She has changed with age, but I will always remember her many qualities.  I am so lucky to have her as my mother, as you are for your's. 

My dearest Yael, as I try to sleep, I wish for you to have the same gift that your mother received just three weeks ago.



Grandpa Jonathan
Jakarta, Indonesia