We are celebrating the first night of Passover at Val's home. Of course Abbey lives there too, but it's Val who makes the meal, creates the beautiful table, and hosts the evening with both glamour and perfection.
We observe the Passover rituals, to some extent. Everyone gets a Haggadah — the ones with the yellow and red covers; the same as I remember from childhood. The seder plate is reviewed. Some are better than others at remembering the meaning of each symbolic food on the plate. We sing a song in Hebrew. And the door is left open for Elijah. It's an abbreviated version of a traditional seder.
The best part of course is celebrating together.
My mom and Rita, 85 and 91 respectively, are a great example of living a vital life well past middle age. They both dress beautifully, live active lives, have many friends, and keep their minds and bodies challenged through golf, cards, daily walks, and reading. They are aware of all the breaking news stories and celebrity gossip. They both drive, live alone, are proudly independent, and use their iPads regularly. They have great senses of humor, and consider themselves lucky as they look around the table at their families. In truth, we are the lucky ones to have them at the head.
Following dinner, everyone willingly, though reluctantly, sits for a picture. Jack, who has become the family photographer, gets his camera, tripod, and remote, and everyone smiles.
First the group.
And then me, my mom and sisters.
Happy Passover everyone.
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