and to this we say, 'amen'

hi,
many, many years ago I used to sing in our synagogue professional choir. I started as a kid of 12 and did it for almost 18 years. Every Wednesday night for rehearsal, every Saturday service, many Friday night events, holidays, weddings, bar mitzvahs... I saw them all from the front of the shule on the bimah (alter), staring out at the sea of congregants of which there were 100's and sometimes 1,000's. God can really fill in seats. The Rabbi, Irwin Shields, was a fabulous man. He was everything I thought a Rabbi should be: pious, straight forward, witty and a fabulous people person. He never forgot a face or a name or who was related to whom. Every Shabbat he would read off the names of members, or their family members, who had passed away. In Hebrew you say the "Kaddish" prayer and a "dru'ah sh'lay ma" to remember them by.

I'm no Rabbi, but I would like to say a "dru'ah sh'lay ma" for Amy McCurdy. Amy died in a car crash yesterday in Fort Wayne, Indiana at 12pm while driving home from day care. Amy was Russ McCurdys' wife and best friend, mother of 5 young children, church activist and a total sweetheart. She would have been a great Rabbi. Russ is who I took all my flight instruction from and my favorite fire fighter in the Fort Wayne Fire Department. I know he must be devastated by his loss right now. He also has his 5 children to care for and guide through this trial of his strength. I can't imagine his pain and I feel helpless being so far away.

Amy was often at the airport with kids in tow, bringing Russ lunch or dinner. I spoke with her regularly about swimming lessons for Katie or how the baby Joe was growing so fast. She had great energy and held the fort down while Russ worked two jobs, fire fighting and flight instructor. In the year it took me to learn to fly I think I saw her husband more than she did, but she never complained. I can't believe she is gone.

Remembrance is tantamount in most religions, therefore I would like to honor Amy with my remembrance of her: a wonderful wife, mother, giver and shining light that will never go out.... and to this we say "amen".

xox
m