Lehitraot

When I was fifteen years old I learned the Hebrew word lehitraot. I had just spent two months exploring, discovering and living in Israel. The experience was life changing and when it was time to head back to my suburban New York home, I felt sadness and a desire to remain in the land of Milk and Honey. One of the many amazing Israeli's I met said the following words of wisdom to me; "Do not say goodbye. Say lehitraot, which means see you later. This is not a goodbye. For we will see you again some day." Well, it turned out I didn't see that person again but the sentiment behind the meaning stayed with me all these years. Lehitraot came to have a special meaning when visits with my loved ones came to an end. Instead of saying goodbye, lehitraot made departures softer, gentler and filled with the reminder that I would see those I love again soon.

I have been thinking of this word alot lately, as I prepare myself for the move of a very dear friend. My 'soul sister', Danya, her infant son Liam, and his Papa, Dirk, are preparing to move and settle in Dirk's native Germany. The news of their plans to migrate to Europe didn't come as a surprise. Their decision actually made a whole lot of sense. But the reality that my dear friend won't be a drive across the bridge any longer initially felt like a sucker punch to my gut. Life is funny like that. There is not much black and white but a whole lot of gray. On one hand, I wholeheartedly encourage them following their hearts and doing what is their truth. But I equally feel a deep sadness. And this is where lehitraot has come back to remind me that this is not a goodbye but a see ya later. Lehitraot has softened the reality of their departure for we will see each other again soon.

Danya and Dirk are 'Aunt' and 'Uncle' to my girls and Liam is their cousin. We are not blood related. We are heart and soul connected. And two continents and an ocean can not alter that fact. We will just have to visit in different places on the planet (ah, another reason to travel.) Our moms happen to live just a short drive from each other in Florida. We couldn't have planned a more perfect winter escape for our families to meet up each year. And thanks to the wizardry of modern technology we can Skype. If anything, we will 'see' each other more because the current physical realities (a.m. kindergarten, nap time, working, traffic and so on) of our lives has made frequent visits somewhat of a challenge. Being able to visit in the comfort of home, on Skype, is not the same but it'll be easy. And the truth is, all I have to do sit quietly and I can feel Danya's presence as much as if she were in the same room.

So it is with both a joyful heart in celebration of the next part of Danya, Dirk and Liam's journey as well as with a heart with sorrow that I prepare myself to say, Lehitraot.

With Amara (4 weeks)

Amara, Auntie Danya and Luvey (in Amara's arms.) Danya gave Amara Luvey when she was just a few weeks old. At 5 1/2 years old, Amara still doesn't go too far without Luvey.

With a 2 month old Havana.

Amara, Havana & Auntie Danya having fun one Spring.

Havana and Uncle Dirk (2011 ?)

And here a few days after Liam's birth (August 2012). Havana Loves her Uncle Dirk!

Liam at only a few days old. Words can not describe how happy our family was that he finally arrived!!