It is hard to write and post a blog on this heavy Memorial Day in Israel. We remember the 23,741 souls who have fallen in wars and in terrorist attacks since the founding of the state in 1948, including my husband’s father's cousin, Ami-Yehiel Grossbard, who fell in 1957. And, tonight, we will transition from sorrow to joy as we observe Israel’s 71st birthday in a spirited Independence Day celebration. Yesterday, before the start of Memorial Day, I attended Mom’s "unbirthday"

I got annoyed with Mom today. Not for what she was doing, but because I wanted something from her. I wanted her to pay attention to me. How ridiculous is that? Mom was animated. When I got her up for a short walk, instead of dutifully following me across the room, she stopped and spent her time talking and blowing kisses to the other residents. She stroked some of the women under their chins, told them they were beautiful, and talked a blue streak of nonsense. Our arms were l