I am dipping metaphoric apples into honey this week as I prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The tradition is a symbol of hope for a sweet new year. Given the unsettled nature of the world, in addition to my own community of Altadena still struggling after the fires, sweetness has taken on a new meaning for me.
It may have always been secreted away in places where I didn’t look, but this year, at this time, I am reflecting on some of the people who have unexpectedly been the apples who brought honey to my life during the past year.
My family across the street, as I call them, housed me and hugged me during the months I was evacuated from my home. “Of course you’ll come stay with us,” they said as if it was not a big deal. We’ve been friends for 40-some years, but living together is another story, and yet, they made sure it never was.
When times get tougher, angels appear
An angel appeared when I was becoming overwhelmed by insurance paperwork and the technology it required. I decided to call a colleague to get a recommendation for someone who could help me. Andrea, his assistant, answered the phone and immediately volunteered to help when I told her my problem. Her even demeanor and business savvy continues to bring calm and order to my chaos. This lovely young woman has now become like a family member.
And then there was my dentist, Dr. Paul Shinto, who offered a free appointment to his patients affected by the fires. In the midst of my muddle, I had excellent dental care and one less bill to worry about … and he was a very understanding listener.
Help was in the air. A short time later, an old friend from out of state, who I hadn’t heard from in years, called to say he was in town and wanted to bring me something. He arrived with a very large high-end air purifier, and then he installed it and showed me how to use it. He had known someone whose house had smoke damage and knew the importance of keeping the air fresh.
Finally, a continued note of thanks to the reader who has been fetching my Sunday newspaper from my driveway and tucking it next to my courtyard gate. Several months ago, I wrote that someone was removing the paper from the driveway. I jokingly asked whoever was responsible to at least leave me the section with my column in it.
Since then, every Sunday a secret helper has been taking the paper to my gate. Several readers sent me copies of the columns I had missed and offered to be on call should I need any in the future.
I look to the new year with an acute eye for hidden honey.
Email patriciabunin@sbcglobal.net. Follow her on Patriciabunin.com