just smile.

today was a day for smiling and a day for remembering. i was remembering one of the greatest people that has been a part of my life and that is no longer with me.

this man taught me how to be gounded and humble and not only be appreciative of the things we are given, but for living each day in this beautiful world.


today 8/11/09 marks the 2 year anniversary of my grandfather's passing.

infact i was reminded of where and when i was when i was told about his passing and the events that then took place.

i wasn't in sydney like the rest of my family. i was in jerusalem and had planned to spend my day at Yad Vashem, the great Holocaust remembrance museum that requires i would say atleast 1 day if not multiple days as it is simply beautiful. honestly i am not one to take in holocaust history etc. but this was something i knew i had to do.

i had begun my entrance into the museum getting through their new section which was a walkway through a timeline of the entire war through photographs and documents and i was around about the middle (a good few 100 metres in) when my shoulder was tapped by a familiar face. my step sister lives in jerusalem and who had dropped me off at the museum around about an hour before.

i was not allowed my phone on in the museum and she said she had been trying to call me. she then told me to come outside as she needed to speak to me and my mum had to speak to me to. i was confused.

we got outside, to a large balcony overlooking the jerusalem forests and then she handed me her phone which had my mother's voice on the other line. from about 3 words into her conversation i knew what was happening and broke down. i could barely listen to what was being told to me.
i couldnt talk, i couldnt really respond in any appropriate way. i mean is there an appropriate way?

i had to walk through hundreds of tourists to get out of this massive structure whilst tearing uncontrollably.

finally getting into my step-sister's car she tried to consol me and attempted to take me with her and her cousin to atleast get my mind off of something that just couldnt.

we went to one of my favourite places. a bagel sandwich shop. i have a thing for sandwiches. i dont know why :)

but it took me out of what was happening and into a big haloumi cheese crusted world!


in honour of memories and in honour of this smart, loving and brilliant man I hope he is enjoying himself wherever he is. i love you very much.

x

jake.