A Farewell

Long before dawn on Tuesday morning my father-in-law,
who suffered from Alzheimer's,
walked out of the Florida apartment he shared with Howard's mom.

When she woke and could not find him, Irene called the police.

They found him in a canal on the grounds of the retirement community.

No matter how many times I write or say this,

it still does not seem real, or even possible:  accidental drowning.  

So the family is gathering, as families do in times of great sorrow and times of great joy.

Weddings and funerals.

Irene and Milt, proud grandparents, at Alida and Josh's wedding, June 2011.

We will head for Massachusetts tomorrow.

Milt lived in or near Boston for most of his 87 years,

until he and Irene retired and moved South.

It became apparent about 11 months ago that our dear Zaide was losing ground to dementia.

I never mentioned it on the blog, because he was one of That Old House's most devoted readers.

Just as he was a devoted and loving husband, and father, and father-in-law, and granddad.

And now, I'm just plain out of words.

Instead, I will leave you with the words of a 13th century Aramaic prayer,
the Kaddish, that since the Middle Ages has been prayed by Jewish mourners.
It does not mention death or dying, but instead sings the praises of the Almighty.

Cass, Howard, Alida, and Anne
************************************************************
The Mourner's Kaddish

Magnified and sanctified is the great name of God throughout the world, which was created according to Divine will. May the rule of peace be established speedily in our time, unto us and unto the entire household of Israel. And let us say: Amen.

May God’s great name be praised throughout all eternity. Glorified and celebrated, lauded and praised, acclaimed and honored, extolled and exalted ever be the name of thy Holy One, far beyond all song and psalm, beyond all hymns of glory which mortals can offer. And let us say: Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, with life’s goodness for us and for all thy people Israel. And let us say: Amen.

May the One who brings peace to the universe bring peace to us and to all the people Israel. And let us say: Amen.