“This is The Reason I Am Here”

“She” doesn’t know I am writing about her, obviously now she will quickly realize this is about her.

We always knew the day would come even though this move was put on the back burner for several years. This was not just a casual move or even viewed as anything so simple. To go to Israel and make it her home was a big step and a huge change as many people are familiar with. Everyone has their reasons for making Aliyah and she made a bold and courageous decision at twenty four years old that the time had come to rise up and do it.

As we watched her deep passion grow over the years our pride in her was enormous, although the fact remained that when the decision was made the feelings were bittersweet.

Naturally, and she often reminded me of this, the influence at home had really been instilled in her. Isn’t that where so much of who we are and who we eventually grow into begins to form? Until we take on ourselves and establish who we are and what we believe in. The only reluctance she had was that she would be in a sense leaving us and would be far, so far away! Given the dynamics of our relationship this would be heart wrenching for us all and that is the truth in a nutshell. On the other hand to see her become the woman she is has been perhaps an even more powerful sentiment. We are overflowing as our hearts are warmed to see her goal of living and working and building a life in Israel has not only become reality but become a part of who she is. In other words her reason for moving to Israel could not be more right on, because the PASSION of this bold move that so many make is what is key here.

Making Aliyah is quite a commitment and so she made the decision to commit after testing the waters for about 6 months. I must admit that even though I receive periodic phone calls about the difference in the system of “things” in Israel and how frustrating it can be, and with all of that she remains feeling that the country is calling her and she is happy to follow that lead.

It has been just over two years since our youngest daughter moved to Israel. We miss each other as if she just left but we find comfort in watching her life unfold the way she desires, especially when she smiles.

The reason I decided to write about this now is because of a conversation I had with her after the ceremony she attended for Yom Hazikaron at Rabin Square. She was extremely moved by the commemorations and was feeling emotional as was the entire country. She then said to me at the end, “This is the reason I am here.” I thought to myself this is my daughter and as much as I miss her EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY I am so proud of her. The compassionate, beautiful woman that she is encompasses the key ingredient necessary to be a part of life in Israel and it is a profound PASSION that she possess.

On a side note: our daughter is also a birthday girl on the weekend of Israel’s Independence Day which is just so fitting to her life story. And so I wish to say loud and clear:

We Wish you a Beautiful and Wonderful Birthday, One that is filled with Tons of Love and Lots of Good Health and Laughter!

We Love You