[G] Miryam, Miryam, you suddenly appear to be so troubled, so saddened. Have we spoken for too long a time? Are you tired? Shall we take rest?
[M] Oh no Gabe. It is that just one recollection often brings about so many other memories.
I mentioned just yesterday that we would return to another story and it is appropriate and actually good for me to do this with you. That of which I must now speak may seem bleak, but the faith of our peoples is constant in acceptance of all things, joyous or not. Our lives must always be as reflection of the will of the Most Holy One.
It was during the warm days in the month of Sivan, our Jewish year 3782, or 774.
The family was to suffer terribly by the loss of our dear boy, Judas. He was always one to be off on some curious search, some adventure. This time, however, he had not come home for prayers and meal. Twice before Judas and his young friends had gone out far beyond what was safe. As it turned out, they had chosen to explore a shallow cave. The three perished by what was determined to be bites by a nest of vipers. Herdsmen had heard their calling out and came promptly to aid. But alas, it was too late.
As we all sat Shivah, I must account that it was poor Yosef who was most forlorn. Over the days of mourning he quietly repeated that it would have been better if it had been him stricken rather than Judas. At the same instance, he was able to comfort me and the children. Gabe, it was remarkable that, in his own time of burden, he sought to console as well the parents of those other two boys that had been struck down.
As the seasons passed, the prayers of Yosef and his faith gave us all renewed strength, but it was just two years later that he too left me. First it was Judas at 17 years of age. Then so soon after it was Yosef.
Years later in Yerushalayim when those evil creatures murdered dear Yeshua, I thought of the consoling words of my husband. As most frightening an episode it was, Jacob and Lydda and precious Miryam were of such console. But I must tell you this, Gabe; that Yosef held on to me at that blood soaked place as strong in spirit, it seems, as he was in life.
This may be rambling, but even today my beloved Yosef is like unto my very shadow in the late of a day, always there, so comforting.
My father and mother had prepared me well, as well as the Spirit telling me of the forth coming arrival of darling Yeshua. But the understanding, support, love, and sacrifice of my most dear husband, Yosef, has made me so grateful, so blessed, so full of joy. The presence of the Creator in my life, and the earth under my feet, and the sun and stars in the sky and family have been such a gift.
Blessed be the Master of the Universe.
[G] Miryam, I , too am blessed to be in the company of such a wonder as you. Our Lord is surely pleased with you, the most favored amongst all of his creations.