The Grandmother Effect – Part 2

Fishing

Camping

Canada

Passover seders

Hollywood Bowl

Canter’s Deli

Weekend sleepovers

Palm Springs

Israel

Philanthropy

Palm Springs Air Museum

Rosh Hashanah lunches

Love

Cookies

Cookies

Cookies…….

and cookies!

When Ryan’s Grandma Sherry comes to mind, the above list of memories, activities and characteristics flood the brain. And it is really only a small portion of the “gifts” that Ryan has received from her. She is so much more than this list, but that list I think is the most remarkable..

The richness of Life with Ryan as it relates to his paternal grandmother is hard to write in a small posting such as this. But I will try as hard as I can to put in a nutshell the effect that she has had on Ryan.

Grandma Sherry’s effect on Ryan can be shown:

– In her unwavering love and devotion to understanding and supporting Ryan in all of his endeavors. All of the experiences listed above are not empty “things”. They all comprise an entire and full process. They are all to teach and show underlying meanings and lessons.

– In camping and fishing, Grandma Sherry has taught Ryan to appreciate and love the outdoors; the art of making a perfect cast when fishing (And boy can she cast a line!) and the patience it takes to wait for that bite on the hook. Then, the physical work and skill of reeling in the fish, whether big or small, can take a lot of effort, even sometimes needing help from others around you. The practicing, the patience, the care, the learning, the asking for help in becoming a good fisherperson, also applies to life skills. (That’s really not a hard connection to make.)

– In travel, Grandma Sherry has shared her love of exploring the world and learning about other cultures. That the big wide world is there for us to see, enjoy, and discover. The trips taken with Grandma Sherry to Canada and Israel allowed Ryan to learn from his grandmother about past experiences, special and unique places to see and the history of the land.

-In Rosh Hashanah, Passover Seders and Hanukkah. The joy and teaching of Ryan’s Jewish identity. L’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) has taken precedence in how Grandma Sherry has passed down to Ryan the importance of celebrating and honoring his Jewish faith, identity, peoplehood, culture and of course the FOOD!

– In sharing cultural and arts experiences, Ryan has learned from his grandmother to appreciate and learn about the beautiful gifts of music. Art, science and history.

– In special weekend sleepovers, when Ryan’s dad and I would go away. These weekends were always special. Breakfasts that would always include lots of bacon. Going to the movies. Going to a play, a musical or a museum. And the first time going to Canter’s Deli – the best Jewish deli in Los Angeles!

– In his grandmother’s philanthropy, Ryan has learned by his grandmother’s example how important it is to give back to the community, and to help others who are less fortunate and to help others whenever needed. That it doesn’t matter what you have or if you are different, there is something that you can and should do. Ryan has learned how to be compassionate and generous by directly experiencing Grandma Sherry’s open heart.

Ryan’s grandmother has been unwavering in her support in every aspect of Ryan’s life. She questions when she doesn’t understand what Ryan may be going through. At the same time, she has high expectations of Ryan just as she does all of her grandchildren. Ryan knows this well. But her expectations are within the framework of who Ryan is and his abilities. She expects him to work hard, and be the best that he can be.

Oh, wait, I’ve forgotten the cookies. Which is really leaving the best for last! Grandma Sherry’s cookies are just divine. Maybe this is the biggest effect of all! These cookies are baked and sent with love no matter where Ryan or any of Grandma’s other grandchildren might be. There’s nothing better than receiving that special gift in the mail. Maybe everything that I’ve listed above can all just be wrapped up in a small round chocolate chip cookie baked by Grandma Sherry! It’s Love. Pure and simple.

(Side note: No, sorry, you cannot have Grandma Sherry’s recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, or her S cookies, or her icebox cookies, or her lemon cookies!!)

(Side, side note: The picture above is of Ryan and Grandma Sherry on Ryan’s first fishing trip to Haida Gwaii, Canada. We are going back there again this summer where Ryan will have the opportunity to fish again with his grandmother. I’m sure she will catch the biggest fish on the boat…).