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Chana Perman

The Midnight Misadventures of Grandparents Dear

Listen family and friends and you shall hear
of a Passover visit from Zaidy and Bubby dear
(colorful details of note, I would like to share)

T’was decided a fortnight before Passover
they would join us in Toronto;
we fervently prayed there would be NO
sudden emergencies G-d forbid
(such as tumultuous Tornado — but happen that did)

Two if by plane
it was easy to see;
their reservations booked
how uproarious could it be?
(indeed they arrived uneventfully)

The proverbial red carpet: crumb free, unrolled
“Bubby and Zaidy are coming!”
the Perman children extolled

Charming the locals —
inspiring the natives,
Zaidy quoted his mother Charna
“We received more than we did give.”
(sentiment: arguable)

Bubby ever patient —
“open-shut-them” champion, book reader, hair stylist,
rose way to the top of everyone’s favorite list

The kids felt oh so comfortable
with grandparents at their residence,
taking breaks from their bickering and kvetching
to gratefully receive many presents

A visit to Edward Gardens,
to bless a flowering fruit tree;
grandparents are precious
we treasure each memory

Wal Mart was the last stop
for a wagon full of ‘afikoman’;
but it was Zaidy and Bubby who stole the show,
everyone’s favorite man and woman

T’was hoped their return home
would be pleasant and expeditious;
who could have predicted
weather precarious and vicious

One flight cancelled
the next delayed thrice;
we secretly hoped they would take our advice
to stay over Shabbat
maybe until Shavuos
(It seemed that thought made Bubby a tad ner-vuos)

At long last they arrived home
early in the a.m.
a message pinged on my Blackberry:
“We are home Baruch Hashem (thank G-d).”

Much sacrifice it was
with journey having more legs than octopus;
we are so very grateful for having had the z’chus (merit)
of hosting beloved parents, parents very grand;

May we celebrate next Pesach together
in the holy, Promised Land.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the elders, and the glory of children is their parents.”  ~ Proverbs 17:6

About the Author
Chana holds an M.S. in Special Education. Her innovative poems, essays and lectures reflect two and a half decades of experience working with students of all ages and abilities. Chana's writing has been published on Chabad.org, meaningfullife.com as well as in The Canadian Jewish News, The Jewish Press, and AMI. As a longtime volunteer with the Friendship Circle, Chana was recognised by the Ontario Legislature for “bringing a smile to the faces of children with special needs.” Although Chana 's "heart is in the east" she currently lives with her with her family in Toronto.
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