[HANASHIR:16297] Re: please say your prayers for my mom

[Ken Alter <rabbialter...>]

Dear Ellen,

I will be sure to include your mother in my prayers this week. 

Love,

Ken
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ellen Allard 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 2:00 PM
  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