In the end, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices. – Elizabeth Gilbert

Hello, dear ones. It's been a little while since you've heard from us, so we thought we'd catch you up. Fred is doing well and continues his cardiac rehabilitation twice weekly while increasing his physical activities at home. He is increasing the duration and pace of his walks, and I'm happy to report that among the list of approved activities at home is vacuuming! And while I haven't asked him to get behind the Dyson just yet, I'll remind you all that we are the proud parents of a sweet little lab who sheds like crazy, so his day is coming! He did mow the lawn the other day, using the power propeller mode so he didn't have to do too much in the way of pushing and he is now able to drive himself. All of these are steps toward normalcy that do as much psychologically as they do physically. 

He began to ease into work this past week as well. We know so many of you were happy to see him and we are grateful to you all for allowing him and us the time and space needed for healing these past six weeks. He is moving into work life slowly, listening to his body and not pushing himself too hard or too fast. I must admit that I will miss all of the quiet, quality time that we have shared together. It is good to be reminded that we really enjoy one another's company and find comfort in simply sitting, reading, resting, and being together. We joked that this was our little glimpse at what retirement will look like and it wasn't too shabby!

We are also looking forward to celebrating a major milestone in one week, as our middle daughter Leora, graduates from Colorado State University. We are so grateful that Fred is feeling strong enough to attend and we are thrilled that we will all be together to celebrate from a place of health, healing, and wholeness. And in case you haven't heard, Leora will be moving to New Orleans in August to serve as an Avodah Corps Member working with the Innocence Project New Orleans. She'll be working directly with clients who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes and with their Unjust Punishment Program to support those who have received excessive sentences as a result of draconian sentencing laws in the state of Louisiana. We are incredibly proud of her and can't wait to watch this next chapter unfold! 

And so dear ones, this will be the last entry on the Caring Bridge site. We are moved and grateful that you have accompanied us on this journey. You nourished us with your food, you lifted us with your prayers, you enveloped us in your love and you stood back and gave us room to focus on rest and renewal. This story, our story, will always include you because of that. Some may never know what it is to be a part of a kehilla kedosha, a sacred community. But we do and ours reaches far beyond the Rocky Mountains, it encompasses friends and loved ones from near and far, and we are filled with gratitude.  Oscar Wilde wrote The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Your acts of the heart are forever etched onto ours. 

Shalom dear ones and thank you!