My brother is an amazing man.
He used to be a wild boy, so wild that my parents used to pray that he would live to adulthood. With much love and guidance, he did. And now he amazes me as much as our father does.
My brother's wife and children are Jewish. His godmother is Lebanese. You'd think that it would put him in an awkward position, but it doesn't. Both of these women have grown to love each other over the years. But at times like these, when news from the Mid-East is not good, I wonder what it feels like to be him.
His son had his Bar Mitzvah just a couple of weeks ago. My nephew asked me, my husband, and our kids to all do a reading. My children read "A Prayer for Our Country." They are 11 and 8. They were nervous, but did a great job. Considering recent events and that our family manages to still love each other despite our differences, I thought it fitting to share just a small part of that prayer.
My brother's wife and children are Jewish. His godmother is Lebanese. You'd think that it would put him in an awkward position, but it doesn't. Both of these women have grown to love each other over the years. But at times like these, when news from the Mid-East is not good, I wonder what it feels like to be him.
His son had his Bar Mitzvah just a couple of weeks ago. My nephew asked me, my husband, and our kids to all do a reading. My children read "A Prayer for Our Country." They are 11 and 8. They were nervous, but did a great job. Considering recent events and that our family manages to still love each other despite our differences, I thought it fitting to share just a small part of that prayer.
- "May this land, under Your Providence, be an influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom -- helping them to fulfill the vision of Your prophet: 'Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war any more.' And let us say: Amen."
Amen.
posted by Elsie | 11:42 AM
3 Comments:
Today's my brother's birthday. He's as old as me, again. He didn't get his birthday wish, but remains hopeful. That's sometimes the only way to get by. I wish him love always.
Curious, isn't his birthday close to a certain Canadian's ?
Happy BDay, Elsiebro
Yes, I guess it is. Only off by a day. Of course, Donald just turned 71 (I've always had a thing for older men). Baby brother turned 44 (7/18). Now if only I could figure out how to stay the same age as him instead of having my own aging celebration in six weeks!!
On a different birthday note: Bob and I eloped to Jamaica. Had the date set, etc. When we arrived there was a small problem. We were supposed to be married on 6/25. The next date available was 6/27 (Bruce's birthday). I told a "white lie" that my church (Episcopal) didn't allow weddings on Sundays, so we got married on Monday, 6/28. I just didn't want the dates to be the same. I guess it wouldn't really have mattered, as I always remembered anyway.
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