1st Yahrzeit

Today is Na’il’s first “Yahrzeit” as the Jewish people call the anniversary of a death. One year ago, on February 4, at 9.30 a.m. G-d called our special boy Home.

The theme for today’s reading from “Wisdom for the Way”, written by Charles Swindoll, was: CELEBRATE LIFE!
After he died, someone sent us a card that said: “Grieving a loss, celebrating a life!” It spoke to my heart – this is what we were to do. We had been privileged to care for Na’il for 12 years, and even though we deeply grieved, we could treasure the memories of him.

That’s what we did during this first year of mourning, and what we continue to do – celebrate Na’il’s life.

The Bible reading for today, to which the title “Celebrating a Life” belonged, was Psalm 90. Especially the first part was very appropriate to this Yahrzeit:

“LORD, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying: return to dust [Na’il]. For a thousand years in your sight war like a day that has just gone by…. You sweep men away in the sleep of death… Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

So…. What is today?
It’s another day the Lord has made – a 24 segment of time that we have never lived before and not will be repeated.

The Hebrew translation says we must ‘account’ for our days, not our years. We should live them in such a way that when they draw to a close, we’ve gained a heart of wisdom. We cannot alter the inevitable, but can learn and chose to adjust to it. One day at a time, not a year.
We can chose to complain, wail and whine, or, rather than endure it, chose to celebrate life!

During this past year, we have passed through several stages of mourning. It takes time, and cannot be rushed. In addition to celebrating Na’il’s life through the many precious memories, we make an effort to celebrate our life as well – one day at a time.
You can view more photos of Na’il by clicking at this link:

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