Moving As A Part of Life

 

Moving is a part of life. We move from day one as we are welcomed into this world. We move as we reach new life milestones and academic journeys and as we encounter career paths and destinations. Life as we know it is a continuum of moving.

As one can relate, part of moving requires packing our life into boxes, reflecting the passing of time and the promise of growth.  As a chapter closes, your heart and emotions are intermixed with joy, hope, and sadness, finding ways to relish the precious assets of time.

My words may send buoyant memories to your heart as you recall the moves in your life journey, hoping to build new connections and friendships and settle into a new community.

In 2023, settling into a new community was an achievement at my age. A life stage only possible with the support of my family and work associates, helping me find ease and calm in my new quarters set to establish new memories while holding close to the past.

As my family and I packed up my study filled with many sermons, articles, pictures, and artwork cascading the walls, memories became more vivid through each filling box. While many helped the physical move happen emotionally, this life step tested every fiber of my being.  

In my years, moving was a simple part of life, undoubtedly due to the support of Myra. With Myra at the helm of the family, anything was possible. Myra was uniquely able to make anything happen, no matter the challenge. To this day, she still inspires me and the many people she touched to champion forward.

 

 Whenever someone would tell her, “You can’t do that,” Myra would nod and say, “Just watch me.”

 

Today, as I compose this piece, after nearly six-plus months in my new home, I am still acclimating and finding my new reality each day, and each day the puzzle pieces begin to fit.

One of life’s treasures in moving is “downsizing” and appreciating the past while seeing hope on the horizon. Many old treasures have resurfaced as I settled into my new home setting pictures, pottery, artwork, and refiling sermons such as “Family—A Time for Loving,” which I composed in May 1988.

As I read the old sermon aloud, I could recall every being of Myra, from her kindness and strength and her unwavering support to many.  Myra adored our family life and was the one who kept us grounded and focused on our goals with her “can do” attitude. Whatever family moves and transitions we faced, she made it impossible possible. Her joy in being the family guardian kept us on the path of hope and rekindling happiness despite any times of challenge or life stressors. She reminded us to keep moving forward.

While Myra cared for our family, she was also her own person. She started The Giving Tree and numerous other communal efforts to help people near and far. She was a leader, a champion, and someone I will forever admire. She keeps me moving to this day.

 

-Rabbi Merle E. Singer

Attitude is the most essential thing in life. There is always something to look forward to if you are determined to find it. I remember Myra’s words, “Don’t worry about what you don’t have. Do your best with what you do have.”