Monday, September 21, 2009
Hanging with Herb
I am sitting here lying on dads bed as I write to you all. I just spent an hour talking to him about all the great times we have shared together and all the amazing people who are waiting for him. I could hear the calmness in his breath as he heard me tell him that we are all happy and relaxed and feel good about his next stop. I then ran out of material and opened up all your emails and read him the abbreviated highlights which were so wonderful. I swear he smiled. Every so often he opens his eyes and mom gently strokes his face and kisses him and he loves when she does that. Mom said that she feels like this is such an honor to take care of him and let him have his wish of passing at home. I am not going to sugar coat when I say that it is not easy, hospice visits but they don't stay. I won't go in to details but Leslie said not joking that, "No one is allowed to die at home anymore!" (it made us both giggle) - I'm on her team. This is team work and it really does feel amazing to be part of it. Mark and Susan Israel came by last night and Mark told us that he sang lullaby's to dad and he loved it. So we put on XM Classical radio and it really does have a soothing effect on him. XXOO Suze
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Suze just emailed and asked me to post this. I'm not sure who it is from but I think Abby? Her email was abbyyh@aol.com...
ReplyDeleteI am having trouble posting...please post this to the blog for me if you can...
My happiest memories as a kid were always at your house in NJ. It was the greatest feeling to know that we had lots of loving uncles, aunts and cousins (and grandma!) all in one place, while us kids ran around - it was more fun than anyone could ever know, and the brothers laughed until the tears came out of their twinkly eyes. Us Yalofs always knew how to have a great time!
I can still picture Uncle Herb waving goodbye to us as our car pulled out of the driveway late at night. It was time to make the drive back to the city after staying all day at your house in Livingston, and it seems we were never ready to leave. Cathy and I would cry "please can we stay longer!" Seems no matter how long we stayed, it never felt time to go. Uncle Herb always said "have a safe drive, see you soon" and he waved until we were no longer in sight.
Now it's our turn to wave. Uncle Herb, feel good, we love you - have a safe trip. We will all be together again.
you guys are truly wonderful,remarkable and and just plain great. I guess you get what you give and herbie and Ina sure must have given alot to you kids to get back such adoration,afftecion and unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteOur memories of the Yalof's go way back with vignettes of the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Ina complaining about Suzie's "off the beaten track"wardrobe...i.e.nylon,frills and many ruffles on a cold winter day. Who would ever imagine.....
Wonderful memories of wonderful times together.
We will cherish them always.
mark and barbara handler
The Yalofs have been on a roller coaster ride through Hell these past few weeks. When Herb decides to get off the roller coaster, the rest of you must keep going. Just remember, he will be in a better place that is probably as beautiful as Vermont on this lovely early fall day - a place with no pain, no suffering and no anxiety. He will be watching over you from there. He will be with you in your heart and thoughts with his strength and coutrage, his wit and wisdom and most of all his love - until you meet agian.
ReplyDeleteLincoln acutally said that - from Robert's computer
ReplyDeleteYalofs, I’ve been thinking about you, and praying for you. If Herbie would enjoy hearing it, please tell him I’m still available to clean gutters / and detail his car. Keep strong, and laugh whenever you can.
ReplyDeleteSending love your way, Mark j Hillman
I will always remember the Macy's Day Parades. The family reunions, especially in Vermont, and our family picture. My uncle always making sure my brother and I were included when our parents got divorced, sending us gifts in the mail. One of mine was a cassette recorded with my first cassette tape, Led Zepplin 3. I still remember all of the songs on the tape. My Uncle would always pull me aside at family gatherings to ask me how my mother was doing and to make sure to tell her that he said hello. I remember the first time I saw all 3 brothers laugh together and when they finished, the rubbed their eyes until they saw stars. I then figured out where I got that trait from.
ReplyDeleteWe love you!
Clay, Kathy, Samantha and Ashley.
Liora forwarded me the link to this blog last Thursday. I finally figured out how to sign on and post this message. Being able to read the updates and anecdotes has been comforting. The strength, love and support your family has shown is truly inspirational. Thank you so much for keeping this blog. You all have constantly and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. All our love, Elyse and Mike
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