Another Year and Moyshe Haim

Mom and I learned a new family story today from her cousins in Israel. People in the family of my grandfather's oldest brother would say something like "Here comes Moyshe Haim" when someone came home in a bad mood. Moyshe Haim was my great grandmother's father, or my grandfather's grandfather. Sounds like he had quite a temper, but unfortunately I do not know anything more about him.

Four years ago my grandpa, Nick and I sneaked into my parents' house while they were in Europe celebrating their anniversary. Grandpa really wanted to help as Nick and I worked to decorate the house, but I wanted him just to relax. So he sat on the sofa and told me stories about his life. I knew that I should have been writing down his stories. Back then it seemed like we still had plenty of time together ahead of us, when in fact there was only a year left.

We received an email from our relatives in Israel today. My grandfather’s sister-in-law, tetya Nadya, passed away. The news made me cry. I closed the door to my office, swiveled away from my computer, and tried to take control over my emotions.

I hardly knew tetya Nadya. I met her only once, when I was in Israel several years ago. Perhaps there were other times, but I must have been too young to remember.

In a week, it will be 3 years since my grandfather died. Whenever Grandpa talked about tetya Nadya, his words always conveyed love and deepest respect. He used to call our family in Israel regularly, and was always excited when they called him.

Tetya Nadya was the last link, the last person I knew who knew my grandfather back when they were young. Mom sometimes called her our matriarch. She was the last of that generation on my mother’s side of the family.

Two Years Passed

Grandpa loved tea, and he liked it strong and hot. So hot, that if the water stopped boiling a few minutes ago, the tea was already too cold. He always attributed his love for all things hot to his last name, Goriatchy, which literally means “hot” in Russian. He also insisted on drinking his tea from very thin cups or a thin glass.