Released
And just like that, our period of mourning has come to an end. Twelve months on the Hebrew calendar have been lived and, during that time, we have transitioned to this new normal.
It happened in a split second. Listening closely for her name, along with all those who died in this season, in years past. And when it was pronounced by the rabbi, I felt a year’s worth of pent-up sorrow released in a single exhalation.
Just as we had done at the conclusion of shiva, the children and I marked GGma’s first yahrtzeit with Entenmann’s chocolate donuts. Round to remind us of life’s constant motion. And because GGma, z”l, loved them. We shared our favourite memories of GGma. We talked about moments that we wish she had shared with us over the past twelve months. We recalled how beautiful she looked in death as in life.
And we found strength in the words of the prophet, Isaiah (40:25).
God gives strength to the weary, fresh vigor to the spent.
Frume Sarah is Shabbos-observant -- in a Reform way, that is. Please note that from Friday afternoons until one hour after sundown on Saturday evenings, Frume Sarah will be unavailable, in observance of the Jewish Sabbath.
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Thank you for your understanding...and gut Shabbos!!! 
May treasured memories of your grandmother continue to be a comfort to you, and may you know no more sorrow.
Same to you, my friend.
May your memories of her always be as sweet and rich as the Entemann’s cake and may the innumerable blessings she brought to your lives resonate throughout the generations.
Amen. I know that you speak from a place of true understanding. May the memories of your beloved grandmother, z”l, continue to bring blessing to our world.
Oh- I hadn’t realized you lost your mother in the past year. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Chas v’chalila. It was my grandmother, z”l. She was GGma (Great-Grandmother) to the 4th generation of kidlets.