Memories In The Making
The past few days have been pure heaven, filled with meaningful conversation, good food, modest spirits and gentle persuasion. I was fortunate to reconnect with a few friends I typically see on a regular basis, but haven’t in a while. Yes, there was a significant gap, but we are together once more, sharing recent stories while creating new memories, as it should be. That’s what makes a powerful friendship stronger, when you can pick up where you left off. How great is that? More importantly, how lucky are we?
Below is one such musing of my good fortune and what I needed to make me feel whole once more.
Hanukkah (First Night)
Ours is a dance like no other because it’s ours. We’ve practiced the choreography for years, rehearsing the moves with great precision, adding new steps on occasion and mastering the beat with perfect timing.
This is a friendship of endurance, commitment and understanding. Ours is a unique journey with multiple twists and turns, with many highs (and a few lows, too), but we always come out on top because we are friends for life, never accepting any other outcome.
My dearest Michael, yesterday we were at our best, sharing and growing our friendship as we do so well. It began with us chatting via instant messaging, you inviting me to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, and me, providing an impromptu dinner for two.
It was a splendid evening indeed, and I have the photos to prove it. I enjoyed the pre and post conversation, but truly savored what took place over dinner, reminiscing of memories past. There are so many, they never leave my heart and are always reclaimed in my mind.
As always, I find the recited blessings (read in Hebrew, but kindly interpreted) after lighting the candles, uplifting, and feel a since of calm by the gentle flickering of the candles' flame. It’s beyond beautiful that a Jew and a gentile can share the magic of the season together, respecting the others’ traditions, while nurturing a friendship with unconditional love.
There is so much ugly, hate in the world. Many are out to break the bonds of diversity. We prove them wrong because we show how two people from two different worlds can coexist, coming together in sweet harmony with allegiance to the other. I will always have your back and I know you have mine, for you have proven this over and over.
Thank you for what was an extraordinary evening between friends. If I had to pick a favorite moment, well, actually there would be two. It was nice to arrive at your home before you, sitting amongst your collection of books, art and music while listening to the opera Vanessa. It brought back memories of us seeing it performed live at the Kennedy Center with us falling madly for the mezzo-soprano, Charlotte Hellekant as Erika. What a performance! Do you remember? I’m sure you do.
The other memorable moment was listening to you play Schubert’s Piano Sonata 7, Op. 164. What can I say, my cup runneth over. We should all be lucky to have someone serenading us with beautiful music, and not just any old music, but classical, music of the Gods.
You are a true friend indeed – the truest of the true. I can only pray I’ve been as good to you as you have been to me all these years. I am one lucky man.
Dear reader, this season, undoubtedly, is always about relationships. This is a time to reclaim those on the back burner, to nurture those before you and if you are lucky, create a few new along the way.
Whether they be old or new, how fortunate to have a friend, especially during a season of love. I’m fortunate because I have many and I never really give them the time they deserve. I hope I can do better next year, but there is no time like the present, and I am assured I achieved this goal with my friend Michael yesterday evening.
To all, enjoy your holiday. Cheers! – paerki
