Reminded

Today is a day to be reminded. 

I was reminded as we sat down for our last big family breakfast together... with my parent's luggage stacked neatly near the door.

I was reminded when we got to the airport and the flags were flying stiffly at half staff against a lead-gray sky... lest happy vacationers forget the steep price paid (in blood) for the privilege of an Israeli airport.

I was reminded as I said goodbye to the criminals of Turdistan (who were being extradited to the US).  They really weren't as bad as I made them out to be... and Jordan will miss her American playmates.

I was reminded when we stood silently at attention for two minutes with the other travelers as the siren's heartbreaking note echoed throughout the terminal... and around the country.   Some people studied their shoes... and others dampened them with tears.  Few are the families in this country that hasn't lost a father, son, daughter, relative or friend to one of the country's wars.

I was reminded when the time came for our goodbye at the security gate.  The fact that they'll be back (G-d willing) in January didn't keep the tears from any of our eyes.  Why am I always reminded so late what these two special people mean to me.

And as they walked away towards their gate, I was reminded to never take anything for granted; A Jewish State, good health, long life, children.... or parents .

I will remember.

"...try to open up your heart to beauty;
Go to the woods someday;
And weave a wreath of memory there.
Then if the tears obscure your way
You'll know how wonderful it is
To be alive."

-Anonymous-
(last stanza of a poem found among the personal belongings at the Theresienstadt concentration camp)