Question #3 answered: What will I miss leaving a place I have lived for most of my life?

The first word that comes to mind about what I will miss the most is FAMILY.  In Lincoln, we've had 3 generations under one roof for nearly 14 years.  There is something special beyond words about multi-generational living.  Perhaps it is that as the "matriarch" of the older generation there has been the joy of watching another little one mature into a young woman.  Of course we saw those same changes with our own children, but for anyone who has been a grandparent, I'm sure you know how different it is when you're watching your grandchild move from infancy to the teen years. 

I also think about the fact that my parents and grandparents are buried here in Lincoln. I have had many sacred times over the past several years visiting their graves (even officiating at their burials).  I know those who are taking care of Mt. Carmel Cemetery will continue to care for their burial sites, but somehow the idea of moving seems like another form of separation that is hard to explain.

I will also miss my friends I've made since my early days in public school here, my friends I see at the synagogue each week, and my friends I've made in the Lincoln Chaplaincy Corps.  Of course with the internet and social media, it will be so much easier to maintain a long-distance relationship with these special people than it ever would have been to do so 10 years ago!

I will also miss my family members who do not live in Lincoln.  Although our times together are not plentiful, the ability to gather for family celebrations has indeed been meaningful.  As long as I am able to travel, I hope that I will not miss future gatherings.

And finally, I will miss living in a city where it is common to wave and say hi to individuals you pass on the street whether you know them or not.  Lincoln for the most part has provided us a safe-haven for raising a family, quality education for our kids, and clean surroundings.  When I was born , my grandparents moved here to be closer to my siblings and me.  When Charlie and I got married, we moved here to be closer to my parents.  I will never regret the opportunities we have had by being part of this community. In fact, I will always look upon it as a blessing. 

I will look upon all my many experiences, friendships, and opportunities while in Lincoln as a blessing.

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Comments

  1. RebeccaFebruary 22, 2020 at 7:43 PM

    I remember when we moved away from Illinois to Colorado that I had a hard time thinking about being so far from my father’s z”l grave. It is a feeling that is hard to explain

    ReplyDelete

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