Love

i just reached an empty house after another week away. the whole family went to celebrate an Aunt’s birthday party, which I missed, along with so many other family events over the years that went-on without me because of commitments at work or with my youth org. suddenly, i began to miss Mom and Dad, Shalvah and Shadee, Ate and Ditse, my cousins, too… i’ve realized how quickly time flew, i didn’t even notice that i’ve now got 28 years behind me but still a whole life ahead…and so are my sisters, who have been finding their own places and walking their own paths as well. this house has witnessed the life i’ve lead and the journeys i’ve taken; the good times and the great times; the bad, too. and that in all those many years, in my heart lies Shalvah and Shadee, whose future, sorrows, triumphs, joys and aspirations are also my own.
but also, i’ve realized that staying away from home has defined and shaped my convictions, my sense of self and my definition of “love” and “life”. those travels enriched and changed me in ways that have widen my perspective on a lot of things. over the years, in all those times i have chosen to leave home for a while, i have met some of the best people around; i have visited some of the most beautiful places and touched-base with the most accommodating of peoples. it was over those weeks and months away from home that i have kindled my mind to appreciate life more; to see and feel more of it beyond my two eyes but more of my heart and psyche; to think more critically; to finally learn that in big and small ways, there are opportunities to grow, connect with the world and do things right; and that justice and freedom are not just concepts hanging in the air but are tangible truths that must be pursued and lived.
these days, my travels are because of work. i am on my third straight week of visiting toledo city. each visit is different… there is something almost magical in those visits that more and more each week, it has become like a...