"Free to Be" on Passover

This year for Passover we decided that we just couldn't physically manage to goto the usual destinations for the first seder. Things would end to late, the kids don't transfer well, etc, etc.

Well yesterday my grandparents hosted a seder lunch. It was perfect. It was very casual, very calm and very serene. In fact, it's probably the best seder I have ever been to.

At the start of the seder, instead of a traditional seder service, my grandfather read something he had written.


Your life is your canvas
          - the product of your passion


Yours alone
          - that no one may alter


It is your beauty - your truth
          - your work of art


Be free, always
          - to celebrate that uniqueness
            your gift to humanity


We are joined in a common struggle,
           - each in his own way


          - To escape the tyranny of conformity and mediocrity
  
          - To be our best selves


          - To be free to be


It was signed "Stanley Blum Passover 2007"


Now I remember being at their house for Passover in 2007. I don't remember hearing this that night. Last night, however, it spoke to me. It spoke to me because I now have kids. Not only do I have kids, but I have a son that will probably always struggle to have people celebrate his uniqueness. He will always struggle to show everyone that he is free to be unique.

We will probably always struggle to show the world that his world is one of freedom. Freedom to just be no matter how many chromosomes he has or how slowly he learns or what he does/doesn't learn. His designer genes have ensured for him that he will never be mediocre. That he is forever unique. He will always have a gift to share with humanity. He will always be special. He will always be his own work of art. A constantly changing, ever evolving canvas.

On this Passover I am thankful for the enlightenment I have the pleasure of feeling. I am thankful that my son has a gift to share with the world. I am hopeful that my son's gift will enlighten the world & show everyone that he is the epitome of freedom.

As I watched one of the oldest members of our family hold the youngest member, I was grateful that my grandpa shared his thoughts with us. I was happy that we got to see first hand how our heritage is passed down. I watched as my grandparents took great joy in seeing Meredith & Sean take part in this very special holiday. They took great joy in passing down the traditions. We took great pleasure in being with them and watching our kids get to know them.

I wish everyone a very Happy Passover and a very Happy Easter.