What a month March has been! It came in like a lion with Mom’s birthday on the 1st, the same day that my 90-year-old mother-in-law arrived for her first visit in almost four years. We also have a new granddaughter, born March 13, two days after my husband’s 59th birthday.
An unexpected Birthday Present
Dad and I took a few balloons and a tasty chocolate cake to Mom’s new facility to honor her on her birthday. She seemed happy to see us, and with the candles lit, we called my brother to be part of the party, too. Not that there was any understanding of this being her birthday. But we sang and fed her some cake, and it was a good visit.
As I pushed her wheelchair back into the building (from the porch where we’d been celebrating), Mom turned to me and said, “I love you, Miriam.”
I can’t remember when she last used my name or knew who I was. How extraordinary! We connected for that moment, and I bent down to hug and kiss her and wish her a beautiful birthday.
My other “Mom”
My mother-in-law is amazing. She and her daughter Sharon arrived in the morning after a long flight, and already on that first day she got to see 14 of her 17 Israeli great-grandchildren. She is definitely losing short-term memory, but she can still place herself in time and knows the names of all the kids.
Sharon took great care of “Mom,” cajoling her into a semblance of routine when she was too tired to rise from her bed, and whipping her into shape for her outings and visits. Our daily schedule included making time for long afternoon naps.
Our first order of business was to buy Mom a few pairs of pants that fit her as she’d lost so much weight recently. Our second order of business was to help Mom gain a few pounds. We piled on the Shabbat dishes and restaurant outings and had great fun. Lack of food equals lack of energy, and we wanted to try and change that. As Mom pointed out (several times), growing old is not for sissies.
Overall, it was a successful visit, packed with family gatherings and heated card games. Mom was in her element.
A new granddaughter
Mom had timed her visit to coincide with the birth of great-grandchild no. 17, our oldest son’s third child. Sadly, Mom had to leave before this little girl made her appearance in the world. Happily, the parents and baby are doing great. And what an emotional experience to hear her name: Ayala Naomi. The Sephardi tradition is to name children after living relatives, and our son honored my mom, Naomi, by naming his daughter after one of his beloved grandmothers.
I am over the moon by this gesture. I know my mom would be, too, as is Dad. Judaism is so heavily founded on our shared history, our lineage, and our ancestors, that to suddenly look in the other direction and visualize the future generation is a way of ensuring that this chain won’t end.
March is still not over. We wrap up this amazing month with the bat mitzvah of my great-niece. What I’ve felt over and over again this month is that my family sustains me. May we always cherish the blessings that are right in front of us.
When we celebrated our youngest son’s birthday last month, we went to an amazing restaurant with an all-you-can-eat smoked meat bar. Yes, it was extraordinarily tasty. But what caught my attention were the roasted vegetables. For some reason, though I detest the taste of fresh fennel, I couldn’t get enough of roasted fennel. After a few trials, I realized that it was best to roast it in some form of liquid so that even the outer layer cooks to a soft, plump perfection.
Roasted Fennel
This is an easy and impressive dish to master. The strong licorice sensation is replaced by a mild, yet flavorful tang.
4-5 fennel bulbs, quartered
½ cup water
¼ cup olive oil
3-4 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400° F / 200° C. Cut fennel bulbs into quarters (or sixths if smaller pieces are desired) and place in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Pour liquid over fennel and cook for 20 minutes uncovered. Remove from oven and mix fennel. Return to oven for up to 30 more minutes. Remove from oven when fennel is slightly browned and can be pierced with a sharp knife.
Family involvement is another significant advantage of choosing a leading postpartum care centre in Chennai. Best postpartum Care Center in Chennai These centres often encourage the participation of family members, including partners, in the postpartum care process. Family-centred care promotes bonding between the mother, baby, and other family members, creating a supportive network that enhances the overall postpartum experience. Partners are educated on how to assist in baby care and support the mother, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and deepening family bonds.
Choosing the best lactation consultant in Chennai comes with numerous advantages, particularly for new mothers who are navigating the complex and sometimes challenging journey of breastfeeding. Best Lactation Consultant in Chennai A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who specialises in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Their expertise is invaluable for ensuring both mother and baby experience the benefits of breastfeeding while addressing any issues that may arise. Here are some of the key advantages of seeking the best lactation consultant in Chennai:
In Chennai, Imayam Nursing is synonymous with exceptional home care nursing services. Dedicated to providing world-class care for bedridden, elderly, and post-surgery patients, Imayam Nursing offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure comfort, recovery, and well-being right in the comfort of patients' homes.For home care nursing services in Chennai, Imayam Nursing excels in personalized care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Their team of skilled nurses and caregivers delivers compassionate assistance, including skilled nursing care, medication management, wound care, and regular health monitoring.
Best Leadless Pacemaker Specialist in Chennai Personalized Treatment Approach: The best leadless pacemaker specialists in Chennai adopt a personalized treatment approach tailored to each patient's unique needs. They conduct thorough evaluations to assess the patient's medical history, underlying cardiac condition, and lifestyle factors before recommending a suitable treatment plan. This personalized approach enhances treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Best Dental Clinic in Nungambakkam, Chennai
In the bustling city of Chennai, Nungambakkam stands out as a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood. Amidst its busy streets and thriving community, access to quality healthcare is essential, particularly when it comes to dental care. Choosing the best dental clinic in Nungambakkam can offer a plethora of advantages, ensuring that you receive top-notch treatment and personalized care for your oral health needs. In this guide, we'll explore the numerous benefits of opting for the best dental clinic in Nungambakkam, highlighting why it's the preferred choice for residents and visitors alike.