Why I won't be drawn into divisive political squabbles

By Rabbi Marc Gellman, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 18, 2018

Say this prayer with me, "Lord help us to find each other."

Amen.

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Q: Three years ago, my sweet, wonderful husband, Morty, died from Alzheimer's. He forgot who I was but he always remembered that he loved me and kept proposing to me. He died six days before our 65th anniversary. I'm living in an independent living center for seniors. I know I am well-liked because I come out of my apartment smiling, friendly, laughing. ... But when I go back to my apartment, I cry. I cannot adjust to life without him. I was 17 when I fell in love with him. I had a terrible childhood, but such a wonderful life after I met him and his mother. I keep busy doing photo-restorations for the residents. I miss him so and want to die. Even if he has someone else in Heaven, it would be all right. If I see him smile, that would mean he's happy and that's all I want to know. I have heart disease and high blood pressure. I'm 87 and full of aches and pains. A man here told everyone I was "the love of his life." I only liked him, but it felt good to know a man loved me. Of course, he died. I cannot take this anymore. I want to stop taking my medications (there's a lot!). Would that be a sin? I eat meals here with a man who has Parkinson's. No one wants to eat with him because he shakes, has terrible manners and is hard to hear. I can see that he is intelligent and was probably great before he got sick. Is that why I am still here? I'd appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks. -- From P

A: Dearest angel P -- yes, I believe you are an angel sent by God to give hope to those around you. You gave hope to your husband and your family and now to the people in your senior center. You make the photos of their old lives new again, and in that way you make their hope new again. But your question makes me cry. Whom will God send to bring hope to you?

A story: A man came to a healer and said, "I am full of sadness and I do not want to live." The healer said, "Oh, it is simple, just go to the great clown Carlini and he will smile and dance for you and you will be cured of your sadness." The man said to the healer, "You do not understand. I am Carlini."

It is hard to be Carlini, I know. But don't despair and don't give up. Just smile and dance and you will light up the world around you. I love your kindness. I pray for you, Carlini.

(Send ALL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including "Religion for Dummies," co-written with Fr. Tom Hartman.)