I am turning 60 this month. I remember thinking when I was a kid that 60 was so old. All my grandparents seemed so old to me. Of course, I only saw them at holiday time, because times were different back then. There were no cell phones or video calling. I remember they would call maybe once a week, and we would get on the phone and chat with them for a few minutes, but when we saw them, they always seemed so tired. They did not get down on the floor and play with us; they sat in their recliners and watched us play.
After having our granddaughter Olive with us for a week, I felt really old. I was exhausted, and her parents were there, so Harry and I did not have to worry about bath time, bedtime or dealing with temper tantrums. All we did was play with her, and even then Harry did most of the playing, because Zeyda is her absolute favorite toy. I did the easy stuff: going to the pool, the beach, playing with blocks, playdough and Kinetic Sand. By the way, this stuff is so much fun to play with and therapeutic that I kept it out so I can play with it from time to time. I also enjoyed reading stories, watching TV and just hanging out.
I remember thinking that she might think I am being aloof, because I am not as “silly” as her Zeyda. He and Olive would create these made-up, crazy games, and they would laugh so hard they could not catch their breath. It was pure joy to watch them, and I did not want to insert myself into their fun. One thing I know for sure is that I will do my best to be an active Bubbie and play with her whenever I can. It is difficult being so far away. Thank God and the humans who invented video calling. It would really be difficult if it were still like when I grew up.
Anyway, I am turning 60, and I am celebrating all month. If you would like to celebrate with me, I would love that, and here is how: Let us get together for lunch. Give me a call at (248) 388-0190, and let us set a day and time. Come up to TBS and let us have a chat. I am generally in the office on Mondays from 12:30pm–4:00pm and Wednesdays through Fridays from 12:30pm–4:00pm. If you want an earlier or later time, please call me. You can also honor this wonderful occasion by making a donation to either my Cantor’s Discretionary Fund or the Ike and Aleza Music Fund.
When in doubt, sing.
Cantor Kelly Onickel