RESPECTING OUR ELDERS- ISRAEL

We plan to devote time enjoying our beloved Grandparents this year. We went with Grandma on a guided tour and pilgrimage to Israel with 40 other Americans this Fall. We were amazed by the historical significance of the many sights. We now have a personal appreciation for the challenges that the people face daily in that region and a heartfelt desire for peace. Ken's mom joined us on this trip and the bonding and appreciation of her by our teens was wonderful to witness! Although our tour group was impressed that she taught Benjamin Netanyahu's younger brother, Iddo during his medical training, our kids seemed more impressed with her stamina keeping up with them in the more rigorous trails like Hezekiah's Tunnel. Many in our tour group were grandparents who have children my age and grandchildren our kids' ages. I appreciated their sage perspective and wistful memories of raising teenagers which reminded me that the time our children are home with us is precious.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011