7/27/2019 THWO Als Stories My Courageous Mother Lynn Sand

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My Courageous MotherBy Lynn Sand

It seemed like any other day, but it wasnt. My father had gone to Tampa, Florida, to getaway from the nervous tension and stress from his business. My mother promised to joinhim in a few days; she didnt want to leave us alone while we were writing our exams.

That night, my father called to speak to my mother. She noticed his voice sounded shaky.

Are you alright? she asked.

Im fine. he told her.

But his breathing was irregular and, instinctively, she felt something was wrong. He asked totalk to me, but I was visiting a friend next door. When I came home, my mother told me that

my father called and was disappointed he couldnt speak to me.Shortly after that, the phone rang. I dont think I will ever forget hearing my mothers piercingscreams long and agonizing. Terrified, I ran to the phone, trying to find out what happened.It was the doctor calling to tell my mother that my dad passed away from a massive heartattack.

My mother was only 42 when he died. I was 13 and my brother, 17. He was away at a privateschool when it happened. Everyone loved my dad. He was the kindest, most generous andtremendously talented person I ever knew, who produced and directed musicals to raisemoney for many charities.

It was very devastating to believe that my father wasnt with us anymore, but my motherwas strong and decided that moving to Toronto, where all her family lived, was the rightdecision. We had to leave our long standing friends and start fresh.

My mother was very courageous. She led us through life like a real trooper always puttingherself last. She even waited until my brother and I got married before she considered gettingmarried again. She is a woman with very high principles, always ready to help out when

needed but never thinks of herself that way. As a volunteer, she raised thousands of dollarsto help Israel through the years.

I will never forget the time she was with me when I gave birth to Lori, my first born. Myhusband had just lost his father. He died the day before I gave birth, and his funeral was onthe day Lori was born. It was very bitter sweet.

My husband wanted to stay with his mother, but my mother didnt want me to stay at theshiva house because she was superstitious, so I stayed at my mothers.

That night, I went into labour and my mother rushed me to the hospital. She was the onethat was with me, supported me, and stayed with me through it all.

My mother often expresses how she hates being a burden, and feels uncomfortable askingme for favours, taking her to appointments, etc., but my answer to her has always been, Youwere always there for me, and I will always be there for you.