Crown Heights
My wife and
I had the privilege this past winter to visit Zaidy and Bubby in their apartment
in Boca Raton, FL. I must say I’m glad we did because that was the last chance I
had to spend quality time with Zaidy.
I remember when
we first visited them in their apartment on Friday morning to wish them a good Shabbos.
Zaidy, noticing we had come by car decided to utilize the opportunity and asked
if we can go and buy batteries for a non-working radio they had. I said “sure”.
My wife stayed with Bubby and off I went with Zaidy on one of our last outings
together.
Little did I
know that I was going to spend the next hour running all of Zaidy’s errands. We
went from the cleaners to the pharmacy making all the necessary pickups. I enjoyed
every minute of that trip! It reminded me of the good old days when Zaidy would
pick me up on Fridays (then he was the driver), and drive up Kingston Ave. I
would pick up the Shabbos orders while he waited in the car. I have a very fond
memory of Zaidy calling from the driver’s seat, “Remember, tell them you’re
picking up “Popack’s order” and go straight to the front of the line!”
The
following Monday, when we were going to go to a nice restaurant, Zaidy insisted
we go to Jon’s (the local pizza shop), once again having something else in mind.
When we finished lunch, we found ourselves in the grocery next door for the
weekly shopping spree. Zaidy taught me to never wait a minute and get as much done
while you can.
I was privileged
to have been the last grandchild whose wedding Zaidy attended. He walked around
me at the Chuppah, posed for pictures with me, and best of all, we danced together
at my wedding.
I was lucky
to have had the honor of visiting Zaidy the Wednesday before he passed away. I
was so sad to see him in that situation; very different from the Zaidy I knew, always
full of life and excitement. I sat there saying a silent prayer that he recover
and be able to come back home. Zaidy we miss you!
My last picture with Zaidy (Feb. 13 2012)
