Entry 10

What a crew!I think this is from Thanksgiving of 'o6. Our times together are so precious.

How do you like the new format? I suppose at some point in this life history I should impart some "wisdom" to you kids. It makes me reflect on the advice and sayings of my own father. My Dad, who grew up in desperate poverty with his two Jewish immigrant parents and younger brother, was a very practical person. He would say, "Never love your job because it won't love you back." I interpreted this to mean that its o.k. to enjoy your work but don't invest your spirit in it. Both Dad and I were Union stewards so there is definitely an ingrained mistrust of management "The Man" as we used to say in the '60s :-), with apologies to your manager Mom. Another bon mot (its French look it up) of my Dad was "..don't talk about it till you have it.." Interpretation its o.k. to build castles in the sky but don't tell anyone until you have taken up residence. He really did not tolerate pretentious people, braggarts. My Mom was far more optimistic, particularly when it came to her children. She grew up with her older sister, Gertrude/Aunt Gitty, in an upper middle class home. My great grandfather had done very well in the leather trade. He made leather gloves and jackets. It only took my Grandfather Sam a few years to squander all the wealth. Sorry kids you could have been wealthy Weiners. Mom had a few sayings of her own. My favorite was,"..be careful of the way you go.." This was said when any of us would leave the house. I guess she wanted us prepared for the world outside of 9 Downing Road. My Mom was one of those people who can make friends in an instant. She'd talk to anyone. When she'd get off the plane from Florida she'd introduce us to all these people. I'd hear, "Oh you must be Mark. Your mother told us about the time you.." Mom did like most people but if you offended her or wronged her kids we'd hear, "I hate ............(fill in blank) worse then poison." Mom often said to me, "..life is a dream.." Its a simple saying but there is a lot of depth if you think about it. Dreams can be magical, full of freedom and creativity. They also are fragile and can be a guide to our deepest hopes. If this life is a dream then I encourage you to dream vividly, use the bright crayons in the box, and enjoy being YOU. I am not sure if I have any sayings that are memorable. If I do I don't remember any right now :-)I do have some life suggestions for you all though. Each day presents wonderful opportunities to see, feel, hear, taste, rejoice. If you can summon zest in your daily life it will be a joyous journey. Find your bliss and embrace it, its different for everyone but once you have it there is no substitute. Laugh often and loudly. Its really a great sound. Give yourself permission to sing. God is an uncritical audience to the joy in your voice. Have one really good lifetime friend and consider yourself blessed. Remember the one true goal is to love and be loved That reciprocal loving can endure life's tragedies and celebrate victories. Be kind its generally effortless and makes the World a better neighborhood for everyone. Please remember judging is always easier then living. I am very proud of each of you. You already reflect much of what I am proposing for you. The three of you have kind, Christian hearts. The next entry will be more history, particularly the arrival of Jem and Jules. This weekend we are going to New Jersey for Laura's baby shower. I love that we will all be together. I love you guys, Dad