[G] Throughout our conversations it has been interesting to observe your moods, at times so humorous, sad, pensive, yet always calm and resolved.
[M] So many times we have spoken of trust. Trust is a gift from the Most Holy One given to all who wish for it. This has been brought alive in me by the treasures of all of the good people that I have known. This gift is the gate key to accepting all happenings. Certainly, I have been wary and prudent, and yet, comfortable with the unknown. Faith allows me to trust, and by that trust I am filled with joy.
Hear Gabe, how my thoughts leap about like some frog in a pond.
We spoke earlier of the education of the children. I recall that, at times, I was somewhat anxious of Yosef teaching Anne and Lydda, just as with the boys, to read from the scrolls he had received from his father. He was firm and funny at the same time. Yosef said that the girls must learn of such things so that they can secure trade businesses and provide for us in our old age.
Yosef would tell of such women in Sepphoris and Caesarea, although now few in number, who spoke the language of the Silk Road travelers dealing in a variety of goods. His goal was to prepare our daughters in much the same way as for Yeshua and our sons, a better life through knowledge of many things. Gabe, his attitude was bold and strong in these things. But then to think about it, since I was but 13 years of age, he was always a little fresh in ideas.
Oh what a love, what a power, and such fun was my dear husband.
Always, by instruction and example, we taught the children to be respectful. That was not to apply only to the aged or infirmed. Good can be found in Jew or Goiim or even Samaritan. It is our responsibility to seek it out, to nourish it. Even now I see that in the children and their friends.
And too, I still remember how every day that we were together, I would quietly listen to, and often join with my Yosef as he prayed Shema. His voice would sound so strong that in my mind it was like the blast of Shophar. I hear it now, “Sh’ma Yisroel Adonai, Hear, Yisroel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. Blessed be the name of his glorious kingdom…”
Oh Gabe, how I do go on. You surely have full knowing of that mighty prayer.
I must say that this has been simply a most marvelous life, so full of love and adventure.
Often I think of the graces of Adonai, the affection of Yosef and his protection of my son, Yeshua, and of me and the children, of my parents and kin and dear Rivka. All this is such great fortune. I do not know of any other woman of my station who has been so blessed.
In reflection, we must now speak of that final day on earth of my most beloved husband.