Author Archives Bruce

Over the next month I will not be looking my best because that’s the right thing to do for now.  For I’m in a state of mourning for my mother’s passing and according to Jewish tradition one is not to shave during such a period. Additional I’m not supposed to spend time grooming especially during the 1st week.  The good news in this account was my mother passed close to the high holidays which allowed this period of ugliness to be a whole lot shorter.  So if you see in the upcoming weeks and think “he doesn’t look his best” you’ll understand that is the way it’s supposed  to be.

One of the big mystery’s in my mind was Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Grape Juice but after a dream the secret was revealed. For why did my mom serving each one of these juices during a dinner time over 40 or so years ago stay in my mind even today. Yes, it was thoughtful of her to think about the needs of her children but I later discovered it might just have something to do with her being an identical twin in which  her own individual identity was hidden for so many years.  My mother wanted her children to be able to express their own individuality even at a young age and be their own person.  If this isn’t prove you can find additional evidence  with vegetables carrots, peas and stream beans  Being an individual might be fitting in a crowd when it felt right or mending a whole different path on one’s own.  Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Grape Juice you truly might just be what you drink so enjoy your own individual taste of life.

Google says that Ynes Mexia is the # 1 trending search and I say it’s good to be “Google”. Let’s face it when most of got up this morning we didn’t have the least bit interest in “Ynes Mexia” but then Google decided to put this very talented botanist (I presume) on the top of their search engine and now she is all the rave.   Ynes Mexia had made great discoveries all her life but few outside the botanist world would have discovered that until “Google” decided  to have it their way.  Now they’ll be a surge in people going to botanist training so that they can join Ynes picture.   Which proves the point it’s good to have Google on your side and in their pictures.

Pre Goodbye’s are needed to make sure the goodbye comes within minutes not hours. They are used when you go to a party or event with another person who doesn’t appear to look at an clock. For by the time the other person actually is ready to step out the door someone else might just call them in. Pre-Goodbye’s allow you the time to acknowledge to everyone around that you plan to leave even if your partner is still saying hello.  Pre-Goodbye’s give you the peace of mind to just walk out.

Emotional Tissues would be the one’s individual would use when the liquid basically comes from the eyes. Each small box would come with an uplifting message such “We’re here for you”, “It’s not easy but we love you” etc. The tissues also would have Aloe Vera and other ingredients to soften the damage crying might do to the skin as well as a lovely Play Dough type smell.  Each box could be customized with a funeral home or hospital name.   Emotional Tissues they won’t end your pain but at least be there to wipe them away one tear at a time.

I can’t deny that I wish I had my mother back and upset that she had to go home yet I’m still grateful. For G-D I know you have blessed with a mother who lived a long, fruitful and wonderful life but to tell you the truth it’s never really a good time.  I wish you could have kept her here a bit longer to share some other special moments but am so lucky for the thousand of moments before. I’m also grateful that the end was less painful and shorter then others have had to bare to get to your loving arms. I’m also grateful for the love as well as support I’m received and  continue to feel from friends, family and even totally strangers during this difficult time.  G-D I’m grateful for the wonderful times you have given with my mother and still am sad even a bit angry that it had to end.

I never was a fan of E-Cigarettes from the start for the only thing I believe that is healthy for one to be inhaling is the air you breathe. Now, I’m distraught to know I was right as more and more people of coming down with sickness and even death from this problematic product.  Yet banning is not the answer to this problem for it will only make the product more dangerous as it will be sold on the black market instead.  Young people should be restricted from using this product but those old enough to defend our country should have this right with the following restrictions (below). The government is not meant to be a Nanny just a friend trying to help us make the best decisions possible.

(1) LICENSE– Those 18 or older would have to get a license to use this product in which a video would be shown listing the problematic side effects of it’s use and how to determine which ingredients are in said product. A short test would apply at the end.

(2) REGULATED & LABELED- Chemicals determined to be “extremely harmful” to one’s health would not be allowed in said products and warning labels of the other ingredients would be clearly visible.

(3) STORES- Those that sold said products would only be able to sell to individuals who presented a license.

(4) DOCTORS-  Those in the medical field would be fully educated on the side effects of said products, health diagnosis and treatment of any illnesses related to it.

(5) COST- Any cost related to this program would be paid by those in this industry.

Today is the 1st day I go on without my biggest supporter. A person who was truly been there before my 1st day and has stayed with me all along. Unlike other supporters she didn’t support me to pursue some “big end” but to make sure I had fun along the way. For example when I sought work as a paper boy she strongly suggested I should enjoy my leisure now before it’s lost . When I ignored her advise and worked as a paper boy she insisted on driving me around to deliver the papers if even a cloud appeared in the sky, well maybe more then one She made sure that I always had my favorite juice and vegetables every step of the way as well. The reason I met my lovely wife and have this family is she told me to have a bit more fun at a Jewish Singles weekend and I listened this time. My mom also wasn’t afraid to bend the law to insure that I didn’t allow the years to pass me by as she was the one who told me to change my drivers license age from 18 to 21, when the drinking age in NY was changed just before my 18th birthday.  Mom was one who stood by my side as I battled everyone else in our often heated debate or at least told them to listen to me.

Mom taught me that small things truly do matter and that special moments are truly special. Whether it be the time we saw Alien together and didn’t feel like eating anymore popcorn for what could pop out of our stomach (spoiler alert) or the last special moment when we fed  ducks and she fought for the smallest one to get a bite even though she didn’t feel well enough to eat herself.  While I still will try to change the world maybe I can work a bit harder in that inner world as well to make a difference because those memories and love truly last a lifetime. Mom may G-D give you a resting place that is worthy of your dignity, grace and love. I already miss my biggest supporter and it’s only day 1.