I have a few minutes of down time while Yonah is napping and my various dishes are boiling on the stove. It’s already been an adventure of a day, beginning with a trip to Mr. Bean–I mean, Dr. Wolff’s office. It turns out that Bug has a bug (stomach infection) in his belly for which he was prescribed antibiotics. So, off we went to the drugstore down the road, where we were promptly told that they were sold out of the meds we needed (apparently, every kid in Jerusalem has the same bug). Next stop, the local health food store, where we got some probiotic powder and chamomile tea for Buggy’s buggy belly. When we got home I mixed up a probiotic cocktail with chamomile and honey which the little man proceeded to suck down. Hopefully, we’re officially on the road to Wellville.

Yom Kippur is quickly approaching but I am much less apprehensive now than I was, as Shuie has decided to spend some time at home tomorrow so that I can rest. Many rabbis posken (rule) that a husband should stay home from shul in order to help his wife fast, if it is difficult for her. So, while he won’t be spending the whole day, at least I’ll have an extra pair of hands for part of it. Whew!

I spoke to my father this morning, who gave me a blessing before Yom Kippur and for the new year, a custom I hope to continue with my children. Right before Rosh Hashana, my father blessed me that this upcoming year should be better than last year. It was not an easy one for any of us, but I believe that even though it is not clear now, everything we have been through is all for the ultimate good. I trust that as we move through this loss, we will all have blessings coming our way. I wish the same for all of you, family, friends and loved ones, that you all have a year of blessing, growth, love, joy and the realization of ultimate goodness.