[HANASHIR:16289] RE: please say your prayers for my mom

[Risa Askin <rysaa...>]

Ellen,

I am so sorry to hear about your Mother and what you and your family are
going through.  I know how difficult this is.  I will include your Mother as
well as you and your family in the M'sheberach.

Sincerely,

Risa Askin

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On
Behalf Of Ellen Allard
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 2:00 PM
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:16286] please say your prayers for my mom

Dear All,

On Monday, I returned home from south Florida. I went down there because my
mother's severe emphysema and heart disease landed her once again in the
hospital and ultimately in a hospice for end-of-life care. I stayed for nine
days while my three sisters and other close family remained in Florida, so
someone is with her every day. When I returned to Massachusetts, it was
suggested that I contact our rabbi and cantor. I hadn't considered doing
that because our clergy had never met my mom, but when I spoke with our
cantor, she said "But we know you and we want to help you through this."
This was enormously comforting, after nine days of watching her lose her
hold on life. The doctors assure us it won't be long before she passes, as
she is deteriorating each day. We only pray that she passes peacefully and
without pain.

I know that recently there was some discussion about the healing prayer, but
I confess I didn't pay close attention and so, I actually don't know if my
request is appropriate or not. But if I may, I ask that you send your
prayers for a speedy healing, that she be able to let go of her fear of
death and leave this life feeling some sense of peace. In addition to there
being absolutely no pain, that is what I hope most for her now. Her name is
Miriam Bornstein. Her parents were Sadie and Jacob Breeskin. These are some
photos of Mom and her kids and grandkids. The pics were taken this past
July, after one of her hospital stays.
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/nana_mimi_place/my_photos

She has been a wonderful mother to me, and in some ways, those of you who
know me, know my mother. She was a strong supporter, pushed me to study
music, she loved music and especially all Jewish music. I believe that she
was totally responsible for my pursueing the musical life that I now lead.
Even through her pain and drug-induced stupor, at one point just a few days
ago, she began to tell us about the importance of family. I asked her, "Mom,
what do you want to tell us?". She sang "Where do I begin?" and then she
hummed the rest of the phrase. I think those are the beginning words to a
song from either Love Story or maybe another movie. At one point, one of her
two aides came into the hospital for a short visit. Florence reminded me
that one of mom's favorite songs is "Are You Listening, G-d?" from our new
CD. She told me that she and my mom sang it quite often. I think Mom
especially felt something special about that song. She used to tell me that
she talked to G-d a lot and asked if he/she listened to her. Florence, who I
believe is a Baptist woman, and I, stood by my mother's bedside and sang the
entire song, for her.

Thanks for listening. This has been the most difficult experience I have
ever had. I am grateful for my faith and for knowing that G-d is listening.
And Peter and I (and our family) are grateful for your thoughts and prayers.

Ellen Allard