Two weeks ago, I flew with Chaya to Chicago to help her get settled for high school. Starting high school is a big deal, especially when you’re also going away from home. I went away to school when I was thirteen years old, so I understand how it feels. It’s out of the ordinary to leave home for school at such a young age, but this is the reality a lot of Shluchim face. It’s not easy, and there will be many ups and downs, but I’m excited for Chaya. She will have peers who are on the same page as her, who hold similar values, and with whom she can just hang out and connect without always feeling so different.
After leaving Chaya in good hands in Chicago, I flew to Florida for what I believed was a speaking engagement. My flight ended up being delayed for two hours, which was annoying but not the end of the world. However, my husband, who is an anxious traveler and tends to track the flights of all his family members, was particularly worried about my delay. I kept telling him, “Don’t worry, I’m okay. I’m forty years old, and I’ve got this. This isn’t my first rodeo.” I ended up landing close to 1 a.m.
When I got to my hotel room, I put my key in and opened the door to seven faces staring at me! I shrieked as I realized that all my sisters were there. There was no speaking engagement. I was in Florida because my sisters had come together to celebrate my 40th birthday with me. I still don’t know how they did it! I’m in awe that they all managed to find a date that worked. Trust me, I know how hard coordinating family events can be!
My mom joined us the next afternoon, which was the cherry on top. We were together for about thirty-six hours, and the whole time I couldn’t believe it was real. We woke up, chilled in our pajamas, went down to the beach for a few hours, migrated to the pool, spent some time in the spa, and then got ready to head out for dinner. We had a blast and had to force ourselves to get some sleep and not stay up all night. Some of us aren’t spring chickens anymore!
The next morning, check-out was at 11. We had brunch at The Carrot in Surfside, which was a blast, and before we knew it, it was time to head to the airport.
It went by so fast, and we maximized every minute together. It’s hard to put into words how much this meant to me, but I’m going to try. To know that all my sisters made the effort (and it’s a lot of effort with families and jobs) for me—how did I get so lucky? The thought crossed my mind that I didn’t deserve this, but that feeling was quickly squashed by the love I felt. I will forever hold this experience close to my heart. Whenever I am feeling down, when life gets tough, or I am struggling with self-doubt, I will remember that I have the best support system anyone could ask for, and I have no doubt it will make me smile.
I know not everyone has sisters or is close with their sisters, and that’s why I am forever grateful that I do. My hope for those of you who don’t is that you have people, friends, in your life who make you feel as special as I did.
Love,
Chavie