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!