Yiddish proverb:
Even in this world, one can taste the joy of paradise. Afilu in dem velt, eyner kenen tem di freyd fun ganeydn.
Today, was a mitzvah (nice thing, good deed) for our family. We went to my machatunim (in-laws) (no, they are not ‘those kind’ of in-laws — I am so fortunate) with kinder (children) and Gatsby in tow. We always enter wearing our own coat of chaos and clamor. The maideleh’s (sweet girls) cross the threshold of the doorway, and they are starving like we never ever feed them kind of starving. They are so hungry, they are challish (faint). Nona, she is always ready for them to ess a bissel (eat a little something). She even has choices. Within moments, they inhale large slabs of thick tomato pie. Their cavernous bellies yearn for more. Next up, olives. Gorgeous gourmet kalamatas, and giant green greek beauties stuffed with gorgonzola cheese. Still, the hollows of their kishkas (intestines) cry out, “more please.” One may surmise we only feed them at Nona’s house… Bagels, cream cheese? How about some tuna and bean salad? Nona, a sincere balaboosteh (gourmet cook, cleaner, gardener, caregiver, efficient and loving too — Martha Stewart, she would be impressed, and would learn a few things from our Nona) she whips it all up in minutes. Chips? Who wants chips? Finally, the rumbling bellies begin to bloat. Success.
All the while, amidst the boisterous banter, the barking boy and the pure joy of seeing and feeding her bubbellah’s (grandchildren), Pop Pop, he sleeps soundly in the front room — a den recently turned bedroom. There’s been such tsuris (troubles, worries, grief) with his declining health of late. Our Nona, with a heart of pure gold, she deserves a little frailecheh (happiness).
So once the din of lunch was complete, and the starvation was temporarily sated, Nona, My Mrs., Little, and Big left for some much-needed, light and happy time together. I happily stayed behind, with Gatsby and Pop Pop. And hopefully Nona, she knew he was in good hands/paws with us, kaynahorah (with some good fortune). She can for a time, take her nurse’s hat off and put her sun hat on. Feel the warmth on her back and in her heart.
After about an hour and a half, he woke up. We chatted a little. I brought him his medicine (because Alexa, she told me he had must take it), his lunch (which of course Nona had already prepared) and some fresh water. I helped with the TV channels when his large fingers couldn’t navigate the proper buttons, and Alexa couldn’t make out his voice, now fainter than normal. I gave him a yummy chocolate chip cookie. We watched some golf together, quietly. Talking, not so much.
A bit later, an explosion of noise was welcomed as they all poured through the front door. Smiles on happy faces. Squeals of love and hellos to their Pop Pop, now awake. Joy in their eyes. Joy in Nona’s eyes.

And you’ll never guess… The kinder, they were hungry, famished even. After a nice nosh (snack), we headed outside to play. Scooters, hula hoops, and fun.
Joy for Nona, priceless.
To all, a bi gezunt (be healthy).
Adorable!
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The happy chaos–and the sadness–come through the words. Sending love. You already have a lot but we can always use more.
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Thank you, Ellen. I feel the love 💗
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Awwww what a gorgeous, joyful post! You paint the picture so vividly with your words I almost feel like I was there. Wish I was the food sounds FABULOUS – well done Nona! Thanks for joining us on #thesatsesh xx
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Thanks Hayley, I wish you were there too! #thesatsesh 😘
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A wonderful post! Thank you for letting us join your beautiful family day through your words. #dreamteam
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It sounds like the perfect Saturday! Thanks for sharing with #TriumphantTales, hope to see you again next week.
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Thank you, Jaki! Family means so much! xoxo #Triumphanttales xoxo
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Beautiful and heartfelt words come across in your post. What a joy to read. x
Mainy
#pointshoot
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Oh Mainy, thank you for saying. I hope all is well! #pointshoot xoxo
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Oh my lovely so sorry to hear that pop is not well, I know the stress that illness can bring to a family. I am sure that Nona loved having you guys around and enjoyed the chaos. Thank you for linking up to #pointshoot 📷
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My pleasure, always! I hope you are all adjusting. So difficult. xoxo #pointshoot xo
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awww such joyful post and just kids being kids, lovely photos X #pointshoot
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Thank you lovely! xo
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😘
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#thesatsesh ooooh sounds like you created some wonderful memories and also saw joy in the mundane, thats true happiness (I blooming love a hula hoop)
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Who doesn’t love a hula hoop! And we have 3 to mess around with! And the scooters, the food, OH MY! #thesatsesh xoxo Thank you for your comments!
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Family time is so special even when it is a bit manic! The happiness and love pulses from this post. Thanks for linking up wtih #stayclassymama
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Thank you for your lovely comments! And I am thrilled you can feel the love we share as a family! It is very magical! xoxo #Stayclassymama
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Sounds like the perfect family day! The food your mother in law prepared sounds just so amazing! Thank you for sharing with #stayclassymama
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She is one very special woman! Thank you, Pat! xoxo #stayclassymama xoxo
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Food sounds amazing – thanks for joining #dreamteam this week
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Thank you, Stuart! My pleasure! #dreamteam xo
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That has brightened my day. It sounds so much fun and full of genuine joy. It’s also made me a bit hungry! #TriumphantTales
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I love that this is making people hungry! That is funny ad I am smiling ear to ear! Thank you! #TriumphantTales xoxo
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Lovely scene! Happy day #itsok
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Thank you, dear Enda! xoxo #itsok
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I could do with visiting Nona, I seem to be perpetually hungry at the moment! Sounds like a wonderful visit ❤ #BlogCrush
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SHe would welcome you with open, loving arms! Always! ❤ #Blogcrush xoxo
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I hope Nona has much more happiness and fun times. Thanks for sharing and linking up with us #fabfridaypost
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Thank you, Lara! I will! xoxo #Fabfridaypost xoxo
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Oh this post has made me so happy to read! But also, hungry! I want some of those delicacies that your Nona makes, it all sounds lovely 😛💕xx #BlogCrush
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C’mon over! We are happy to share! Especially a simcha! Let’s break bread! xo #BlogCrush xoxo
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Haha, thank you lovely! xx
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Sounds like the perfect Saturday… Bless your family Lisa and here’s to many more happy times together. #itsok
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Thank you! Many more for us all! #itsok xoxo
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Beautiful post (as always), and always full of such emotion. It’s made a little hungry reading this. Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
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Thank you, Claire! You are so very kind! Ess a bissel! Eat a little! A nosh! xoxo #fortheloveofBLOG xo
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