My mother Bracha ('bracha' means blessing in hebrew, and she was indeed a blessing to her family) used to say 'man is the hardest of metals', 'man is stronger than steel' and other such sayings. She was referring, of course, to the tragedies individuals or families go through, and yet they find the strength to stand on their feet and go on with their life.
I was reminded of that recently while reading in the news about president Biden. He lost his first wife and their girl in an accident, and later in life he lost one of his two sons to cancer. And yet, not only did he go on with his life, but entered the field of politics, a highly controversial field, which required particular strength of character.
Ruth Dayan, the first wife of general Moshe Dayan, former Minister of Defence of Israel, died in 2021, one month before her 104 birthday. She died at home and at her own 'initiative' (stopped eating).
Her life was interesting but rather tragic.
The husband had constant extra-marital affairs, so she divorced him and got a career of her own in fashion and social/peace activities. She became quite an inspiration for women.
One of her two sons, a very talented actor, writer and movie director, got into drugs (as far as I could remember ,it happened after his father, the general, died and left almost his entire estate to his second wife, nothing to Ruth and their 3 children). Ruth, already at an advanced age, had to be strong not only for herself, but also to help her son control his depression, and prevent further deterioration. She was always there for her children and grandchildren.
Her daughter (83), the eldest of the three children, a writer and active politician, yet a heavy smoker, had been struggling during the last decade with lung disease.
Ruth was predeceased by both her sons who died untimely. I guess she was afraid she might have to bury her daughter too, and decided to put an end to life's playing a farce on her.
Wishing you all a wonderful 2023!
We never know what life has in store for us we can just hope
ReplyDeleteRight. That's why we should practice humility, pray to God. I wish I had done that in my younger days.
DeleteSome people have unbelievable strength, but not me.
ReplyDeleteMy teenage mother-in-law spent the last 2 years of the Holocaust in Budapest, surviving on the strength of her aryan papers. When her parents and older siblings were exterminated, she secreted her young sister in a psychiatric hospital and took her food whenever she could.
When I met the aunt in 1970, she was still saying that her sister was the bravest, strongest teenager in the world.
She was indeed brave and strong. Circumstances made her discover within herself these qualities of strength, unusual in a teenager.
DeleteWhatever happens, marshal your strengths and keep your head up. You don't walk alone. Said by my maternal grandmother. I hope 2023 is good to you Duta.
ReplyDeleteGood advice! Your grandmother was a wise, experienced woman
DeleteWe just don't know what life will throw at us!
ReplyDeleteNo, we don't. We stupidly and arrogantly think we can control most things, Far from it.
DeleteThanks for the inspiring post. Yes, it does seem women have a way of finding their strength when least expected. Holding the family together. Finding their indigenuity. Here's to wishing you a blessed new year. Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading it. Yes, I believe women are even stronger than men when facing difficulties and tragedies.
DeleteHappy New Year.
ReplyDeleteA Happy New Year to you too!
DeleteWe never know what lies ahead in life. It's good to develop strength of character and strong faith to take us through the hard times that inevitably come. Wishing you an easy new year.
ReplyDeleteFaith helps. I'm not religious, but I believe in God and pray to Him for protection and health.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragic story indeed about the general's wife. Hope you have a Happy New Year! Janice
ReplyDeleteShe was the pillar of her family until
Deleteher death, last year.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Ruth was an incredible woman! Of course I’ve heard of her husband but not of her story. Thank you for informing me! Rest in peace, Ruth.
ReplyDeleteIndeed she was. May her soul rest in peace!
DeleteWhat a profound tale of how women find their strength and take charge when they must. I enh=joy your posts so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. There are many such examples . Because of the famous daughter's condition, the mother is often mentioned.
DeleteIn times of difficulties or tragedies, some will crumble but some will rise up to take charge of their lives to stay alive for their own and also their families' sake. They are many strong women out there. Wishing you Happy New Year 2023 to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThat's very true, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteHave a healthy, prosperous, happy 2023 Year!
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeleteThank you Rajani Rehana.
DeleteHappy New Year to you!
Let's hope for a better 2023 and let's not forget to be grateful for our blessings.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on being grateful to our blessings.
DeleteHopefully, the upcoming year 2023 will be a better one for us all!
Boa Noite. Desejo um feliz ano novo e que em 2023 você possa realizar todos os seus sonhos e projetos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Luiz. Hope you have an excellent 2023 year!
DeleteI hope so too. After Covid and the freezing weather, we deserve a better year.
ReplyDeleteShe has gone through grave times. She was a strong Lady.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a blessed new year Duta
She has gone through hellish times, and yes, she was a strong lady.
DeleteWishing you a blessed New Year too!
A very good stories. Regards.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. Wishing you a wonderful upcoming New Year!
DeleteWhat a beautiful name your mother had -- and a perfect saying, too. I adore Joe Biden and admire him tremendously. Ruth Dayan sounds like a remarkable woman as well. Thank you for the introduction. Thanks, also, for your visits to my blog, which mean so very much to me.
ReplyDeleteI miss my Mom enormously!
DeleteSometimes bloggers complain they've run out of subjects to write about. Well, the news, people and nature around us, memories - all elicit lots of subjects.
Your visits to my blog, Jeanie, also means much to me. Thank you.
Your mother was a wise woman! I think we often don't know just how strong we can be until we are faced with such tough things.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Christmas and you have a happy new year!
www.awayfromtheblue.blogspot.com.au
She was indeed. I very much agree with your view that we realize how strong we are, only when faced with tough things.
DeleteWishing you the Best in the new, upcoming year!
Thank you for sharing the photograph of your mother.
ReplyDeleteLife provides so many twists and turns along it's path, it's how we deal and learn from them that is important.
Sending my good wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
Thank you for viewing it.
DeleteI'm quite aware of life's turns, twists, and lessons.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2023 year!
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you too, R.C.!
ReplyDeleteSending best wishes to you, Duta, for a happy and healthy New year. Thanks for all the information you share in your posts.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and yours too! Thanks a lot for your lovely posts in your blog, and kind comments on my blog.
Delete