[M] I must say again, Gabe, you are the finest of listeners and so attentive.
Early on, as soon as Yeshua could understand, he had been assigned tasks; first to feed the small animals, then to attend to the larger ones and to prepare the garden. Later these jobs were shared by the other boys. Yosef was always the good teacher in ways of his crafts and so much more. He expected that all of the children be well versed also in our Jewish traditions and faith. Even the girls learned to read and perform picture words in script.
Yeshua was trained by Yosef in the skills of stone and wood. Although there was some work in Nazareth and surrounding villages, I had mentioned that the labors of Yosef were most required in Sepphoris or Caesarea or Tyre.
As a young man, long before our marriage, he had toiled at all of those locations, as well as at many others. Often, Yosef with my son would travel to any place requiring their trades.
Gabe, something else comes to my mind. If the distances were short, they might stay away a day or two. There were times when the work was extensive or the distance far, we had to be separated for longer durations. The stays were not uncomfortable for them, as covered places of rest were frequently available. I so often laughed, teasing my beloved husband by asking if he and Yeshua had been obligated to seek shelter in a stable. He would joke saying, “One time for that was sufficient.”
Yosef was most clever, moreover, in bargaining and barter. These talents he passed on to the children. And too, I had mentioned languages. Yosef called our tongue Aramaic. I believe that is the way it is pronounced. As I said before, he was knowledgeable both in the Greek tongue and the language of the Invaders.
Over the years, Yosef provided well, so much so that the family was fortunate to visit Temple at Yerushalayim often. We went during Tishrea for Yom Kippur, or Kislev for Chanukah, or Nissan for Pesach. It always made me laugh as Yosef and the boys would finely inspect the new construction. I know that my dear husband would have so enjoyed practicing his skill, especially on the matters of stone work. He and I marveled each time of our visits and wondered if, indeed, Temple would ever be finished. There were sojourns, as well, to other marvelous places. Perhaps, you and I will speak of them.
Oh there I go on, still another story. So back to my dear husband and Yeshua.
They would often work in government structures or fine homes, bringing back some lovely woods left over. He and Yeshua would craft several tables and stools, and even three cabinets. And every usable scrap would be used by the other children. I remember that they would fashion gifts for the grandmothers. How kind of them. We were so fortunate and blessed well.
[G] Miryam, you seem troubled?
[M] Oh, it is only that speaking to you in such comfort allows me to also recall memories that are not of constant awareness.
I was just remembering that after the bar Mitzvah, my father, as well as dear Rachel were so proud and pleased to see the maturing of Yeshua, but both passed away just one and two years later.
And now I certainly miss the children, Anne and Simon and Josus, who have taken leave. But that is and has always been the way. The young must seek out their new lives just as we, and all before us, have done. They must be encouraged to find adventure. I did just as my mother and father and the parents of Yosef did before us. We old ones survive and are comforted by fine memories. This is a bond that transcends the face to face contact. We continue to live in the lives of those we love. As they seek out their own ways, while giving honor to the Most Holy One and respect to one another, there is much satisfaction, and so there is no room for grief. Sorrow in the loss in body of Yosef, Judas and Yeshua, and in spirit with my children who leave to pursue their own destinies, is but a passing emotion. Adonai protects and guides us all as he has done with our ancestors and as he will continue with the young people well beyond any hopes or dreams.
It seems that I begin one story and then drift into others. I suppose it is because you are such good audience and it is such fun just to be able to express these thoughts in any way, without worry that I am boring.
You laugh, Gabe, so let me assume that these methods are pleasing.