For Jake


I asked my children what they learned from me. 
And what did I learn from my dad?

He and I.
So different.
Almost combatant at times.
So hard to be a father’s son.
I know he tried to teach me many things. 
The lessons I once resisted may at last be taking root.

Break a big task into manageable smaller tasks.
Balance your checkbook (I gave that up after about thirty years.)
“Seek justice, do mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Take care of your mother in her old age.
Bless.
Be a blessing.
Visit the sick.
Comfort the bereaved.
Root for the Giants.
Do double-crostics in pencil.
Search for a Jewish message everywhere.
Sound Tekiah Gedolah as long and as loud as you can.
Check to see you have your wallet before you leave.
Embrace your wife.
Keep spaces in your togetherness.
Surprise your children with ice cream.
Open your heart to all.
Speak with clarity and integrity.
Sing as if you can.
and
of course
the big one
the all time favorite...
“Be careful.”

These don’t seem like enough words.
The gaps between them— 
canyons
filled with 
immense spirit.
Even a few of these lessons
    may take many lifetimes
    to perfect.

• May you be inspired by those who came before you; and may their wisdom and loving-kindness live on in your words and deeds.
• May you inspire others with the way you live your life; and when you no longer walk this earth may your memory be a blessing for the generations that follow.​

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