The Rabbi Reminiscences
| 01/30/06 |
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Rita and I fly to Los Angeles |
| 02/05/06 |
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My two sisters and I move our parents to an assisted
living home in Fountain Valley, near Huntington Beach, CA |
| 02/08/06 |
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Rita and I return to Newcastle |
| 02/11/06 |
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My mom falls and breaks her hip |
| 02/15/06 |
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Left hip replacement surgery |
| 02/19/06 |
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I fly back to Orange County, CA |
| 02/23/06 |
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I return to Newcastle |
In their mid-80’s and aging, it
was time for my parents to have some assistance in their living situation.
They have been giving and supporting others all their lives. Now it was their
time to receive. Wading and sorting through 28 years in their home and 65
years of married bliss was very difficult. You can imagine what it was like if
you consider my mom saved every card we ever sent her! All they could take
with them had to fit into one bedroom. The term “downsizing” took on new
meaning. Our parents hadn’t died, yet we were going through their belongings,
dividing up personal treasures among the three of us. The 10-day trip was tiring
and stressful.
Then my mom fell and broke her
hip. I flew back eight days later and spent four intense days helping my dad
with dementia and my lovely, recuperating mom. On my last day, she was walking
with a walker and sitting up in a wheel chair. Great improvement in so short a
time. I was blessed to see it before I left.
As I prepared to see my family
again, I sensed a word from the LORD from
Ecclesiastes. “He has also set eternity in their heart.” At opportune
times I boldly shared this with my parents and sister. My mom said she “may be
closer.” My older sister shed a tear for the first time when I spoke of
eternity versus the shallowness in our family regarding spiritual things. And
my dad repeated after me a prayer proclaiming Yeshua the Messiah of Israel. Now
if he remembers it, well that will be another miracle. May all these words of
witness fall on fertile soil.
I’ve been praying for my family
for over 35 years, yet the veil remains (II Corinthians 3:14). Their lack of
spirituality has been frustrating at times and I admit I have fluctuated
between hope and despair. This time was different in that God’s word
illuminated the darkness. “He has also set eternity in their heart”,
and He has given us a message of eternal life, good news to those with ears to
hear.
So what have I learned from this
experience? I’ve learned that family can pluck heart strings like no one
else. I’ve learned that difficult, life-threatening situations can be an open
door to share God’s love. I’ve learned not to give up, no matter what. I’ve
learned the value of patience to a new degree. “The righteous are bold as a
lion.” Don’t let discouragement get you down. The work God began, He will
complete.
Hylan Slobodkin
Messianic Rabbi
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