I was talking on the phone with my Uncle Bud who is almost 83 years old. He is my only Uncle and holds a very special place in my heart. He always makes me laugh and think at the same time, my favorite kind of person. I don't get to see him as often as I would like, but I do enjoy our phone chats.
His parents and grandparents came to the United States from Eastern Europe one hundred years ago to escape the pogroms of the Russian Tsar. My great grandparents spoke Yiddish and my Uncle was conversant in this language as a teen. My uncle is not religious, but he is spiritual in a way forever touched by his World War II service in an infantry tank who liberated the death camps of Dachau and Treblinka in Europe.
My dear Uncle was telling me about a conversation with his grandfather (namesake of our youngest son) where he was describing what the term "Ess, bench, sei a mensch" ("Eat, Pray, Be a Man" in Yiddish) meant for him. Greatgrandfather said that with the uncertainty of never knowing when your home was going to be raided, or never knowing when you might eat, or pray again, or be able to practice a kindness, that you must fully take of these moments and savor them.
I found so much power and a gift in this simple, humble phrase because of this shared context. I appreciate my Uncle Bud for telling me this story and I will make sure to give this gift to my children and family. I am reminded how blessed I am, we all are, to be able to provide for our families, worship (or not) as we choose, walk down the street unaccosted, and be able to find some peace on our path.
I am also reminded of the power of language and how wisdom and love can reach across generations and time.
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20 comments:
what a great phrase... and what amazing memories and stories to share. i can't imagine what it was like to have lived through those times.... we ARE far far luckier than we usually even begin to imagine, i think...and laura and i are doing a show in feb - i think the second or third week... i will surely let you know... feel free to call in again!!!
What a wonderful picture of the man. I'll share with my son, who is studying Russian History in College.
And here I thought you were posting a witty commentary on Elizabeth Gilbert's book, "Eat, Pray, Love".
Your story is wonderful and your family has such a history!
"with the uncertainty of never knowing when your home was going to be raided, or never knowing when you might eat, or pray again, or be able to practice a kindness, that you must fully take of these moments and savor them."
Oh! that phrase made me thank that i don't exist yet during those times and made me reflect on the blessings I am receiving. Thanks for sharing that story to your readers! I am looking forward to future posts! :)
How wonderful - I'll be passing on the story and phrase as well.
A wonderful post, Martha! My dad often speaks of the hardships they went through when he was a child, with my grandfather in the Spanish civil war. I'm going to share this phrase with my little guy. Thanks!
Luv,
RAxx
Your uncle sounds like a lovely old soul.
Thanks for stopping by.
We really have it easy here, don't we?
I like your uncle. Thanks for sharing the story. Old men seem to have the best sayings.
How great of you to recognize the power of such a simple statement. May we all be mindful of our blessings and keep people like your uncle close to our hearts. Thanks for sharing.
What a fabulous story. I love the family history.
so well said! In an essence, it means that we should enjoy and cherish each day too, for we don't know what lies ahead for us. You're blessed to have an Uncle that connects you to your heritage. On the aside, I'm inviting you to join me on Wednesday for DeCode wednesday. See you then.
Maricris
Oh I'm so happy you paid it forward to Annie on my blog contest. She is just great huh? Always there with the comment love when you need it!
Thanks for entering my Woo Hoo Box give away. I'm having SO much fun filling the box. I think by the time I finish I'll have to take out a loan to mail it!
That's a wonderful reminder. . .and an odd coincidence. A situation in my life has recently led me to think a lot about a visit I made long ago to Dachau. Inscribed on a wall is something along the lines of "he who doesn't remember the past is condemned to repeat it."
what a beautiful phrase!
You're right about being so fortunate.....
Thanks for sharing. We are very lucky living where we do.
Oh what an amazing time with your uncle! I love to relish in the wisdom of elders. They have so much to teach!
I've been realizing in a way that's frightening to me, just how fragile life is. Obviously I'm not the first to tread this path, and reading this phrase is like finding it carved on a tree in a dark forest.
Thanks for the reminder.
One of my favorite things is listening to my grandparents tell stories of OLD Hawaii.
I've heard the stories many times but enjoy them all soooo much.
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