Irma

Dear Irma:
I hope you don’t mind we have given you a name, Irma. It helps me remember how you came to us 15 years ago by giving you my mother’s name. 

You lived with my mother for a long time. She loved you so much.  When she had to move out of her home as she was aging, she wanted to make sure you found a good home, so she gave you to us. And now you live in this yard in the shade of our pergola. And we love you so much. And when I sit across from you sometimes I feel like I am with my mother, Irma z”l (may her memory be a blessing).

As you grow in this corner of the garden you hear the barking dog who lives behind us, and the lively chatter of the workers from the business next door, often in a mix of English and Spanish. And sometimes you hear singing. You hear the birds, feel the scratching and chewing of the squirrels, and see the occasional raccoons who come around at night.

You are magnificent and have grown to more than 5 feet tall even when you receive little care.  You have held up one wall of our sukkah year after year, as we hosted friends and sang and prayed.  You listen to our conversations, watch us nap, and soothe our souls.

Your arms reach out to say hello, “come visit more often”.  You nurture those in your presence. 

Do you need anything more than an occasional watering?  Someone said you might like banana skins, but I’m just not sure.  Do you?  Let’s talk some more. To be continued…

Your friend,

Chaya