We celebrated J's Bar Mitzvah this past Monday with about 200 (!) of our closest friends and relatives. My son led the prayer service and read his Torah portion flawlessly. Almost everything went exactly as planned. The speeches were great, the video montage was awesome and J was even able to take pride in the fact that his chesed project (charitable project) was a huge success. He sought to raise a minimum of $1000 for two agencies who help children in foster care. He raised over $1500 and the donations are still coming in. Some kids took the balloons that were free floating on the ceiling and gathered them to try to lift off one of the kids. Some of the girls used the red carpet that we had rented to strut their stuff. The DJ had many dancing up a storm, especially the little kids. There were light up glasses, silly hats, mohawk wigs and more. I think almost everyone had a great time.
I spoke, got choked up a million times but apparently so did many in the audience. There is a Hebrew saying that pretty much translates to "things that come from the heart, enter the heart." I am glad that what came from my heart seemed to touch others. Following my speech, my son and I danced to Creed's "With Arms Wide Open." I am not much (ok, not at all) of a dancer, but it was a special moment.
Only poor CD was miserable. She was running a fever that turned into about 103 the following day. She needed to be held all day and we couldn't get her to crack a smile even once. People oohed and ahhed over how cute she looked (seriously, OMG cute) but the poor thing just wanted to be left alone. She is finally fever free today though still doing some coughing.
Because Memorial Day falls on Monday and Monday had been visitation day with her mother (and the System is off on Memorial Day), the mother was supposed to reschedule. She didn't. She won't see CD next week either (which she knows) as the case manager will be on vacation. Court is coming up in just two weeks. Big decisions will be made.
I am so glad that our family, together with 7 others, will be going on our annual camping (not the roughing it kind, the kind with lodges) trip next weekend. I so need to decompress, hang with my friends and distract myself from the big stuff that is coming which is so completely out of my control. I really, really hope that CD will be well on this trip! She is going to have a gazillion kids vying for her attention and she is going to love the spray pool, the playground and the fresh air.
3 comments:
Bar Mitzvah sounds like it was wonderful! So sorry CD was sick. I wondered about visitation for this week, since Monday was a holiday. I kind of hoped CD's mother would allow it to create an opportunity for her to step back from any reunification plan - and maybe it has, or will. Hope you have a chance to relax and everyone enjoys this trip away.
Kathy
sorry for the delayed response..
tell your son congrats on the Bar Mitzvah (if that is what you say)
he should be proud of his effort to help educate others about foster care and the money he raised. pretty cool.
and mom...remember what a good kid he is when he asks for a car when teens can drive in your state ;)
Hey LT,
Yes, we say congratulations or "Mazal tov" which literally translates into "good luck" but is used as "congratulations" :)
Since the driving age in my state is not until my son goes to college . . .I am just not going to worry about that right now. . .though, by then our 2004 SUV could become his and I will feel better knowing he is in a big truck!
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