The Anemone’s Smile — “Necessary Stories” from The Times of Israel

by

Haim Watzman

A lone flower spurs memories of my soldier son, who died nine years ago in the springtime

illustration by Avi Katz
A lone anemone, petals open to the sky, catches my eye as I cross the trampled lawn in the park near my home. In other parks and vacant lots, the flowers appear in exuberant flocks, patch after patch of red within the sun’s incarnation in green, the smiles of springtime’s return. This flower stands alone, vulnerable to the feet of ball-playing children and the paws of racing dogs. Tears come to my eyes.

It’s the Shabbat in the middle of the Pesach holiday. Nine years ago, on this Shabbat, my younger son Niot died.… continue reading at The Times of Israel

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Previous Necessary Stories about Niot:

Black Hole
Meditation: Remembering my son Niot z”l

Four Waterfalls, One Hidden
Meditation: Seven years without my son, Niot.

Third Day of Spring
Meditation: Planting flowers at my son’s grave.

The Day of His Birth
Meditation: On the death of my son.


Pepe Fainberg A Him to himA Him to him
Meditation: A letter to Bach on the loss of my son.

Other Nights
Meditation: The Seder, chamber music, and the death of my son.

Avi Katz -- FirefliesFireflies
Meditation: Mourning my son, four years later

Avi Katz -- DesertionDesertion

Meditation: When a child dies, he becomes incessantly present.
Avi Katz -- VoidGrasping the Void
Meditation: Five years without my son

More Necessary Stories!