[HANASHIR:16301] Re: please say your prayers for my mom

[Jacqueline Guttman <jguttman...>]

Ellen,

You and your mother are in my thoughts and prayers. I lost both my parents 5
years ago and still miss them (even though they were 90 and 94), especially
my mother, but the joy I receive from my family is valued all the more, as I
know how fragile life is. Chazak - but let others comfort you.

Jackie Guttman

From: Shirona <shirona (at) bellatlantic(dot)net>
Reply-To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 20:40:32 -0500
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:16295] Re: please say your prayers for my mom


Dear Ellen,

It takes strength and courage to open up and share your pain...and thank you
for doing so.  Feeling another person's sorrow can both hurt and be of
comfort... with all the craziness in the world feeling a wave of compassion
is sort of reassuring - that we're all so vulnerable, and how much we need
each other.  Thank you also for sending the pictures - your mother is truly
beautiful... and radiates a powerful spirit.  She is surrounded with love -
that comes across too in the pictures... she's blessed.  I too will pray
that her transition is peaceful and painless...  I lost my mother 14 years
ago - I know how you feel...

Love,

Shirona
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Singer, Songwriter and Teacher of Jewish Music
  www.shirona.com <http://www.shirona.com>
  www.cdbaby.com/shirona <http://www.cdbaby.com/shirona>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
----- Original Message -----
From: Ellen Allard <mailto:ellen (at) peterandellen(dot)com>
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