What I Learned from Zaidy A"H

I was so lucky to get to spend time with my husband's Zaidy, Yehoshua Wilansky, while he gave me driving lessons in the months after our wedding. Almost every time, he would ask me to drive to a senior citizen home in Williamsburg where he would visit an old neighbor who had nobody else in the world. The neighbor didn't remember Zaidy anymore, but that didn't stop Zaidy from remembering him..

At the end of every visit, he would tell me, "It's so sad! All of these people here were once young, strong, and successful... I hope this never happens to me!" And I would say "Chas vshalom, it will never happen to you!"

After the terrible car accident, I told myself  that I better hurry up and pass my driving test before he gets better enough to ask me about it...

But Zaidy, while I still never passed my driving test, I know that what you really want to see now is if I remember all the other lessons that you taught me - to see if I am passing the REAL test on the road we call life. 

And to that Zaidy, I hope I can say yes. 

You may have not succeeded in teaching me how to drive, but you succeeded in teaching me something much more important... the meaning of true Ahavas yisroel. 

Of true love. Of true kindness. Of true caring. Of true empathy. Of endless patience. Of sincerity. Of simplicity. Of humility. Of understanding. Of remembering those who have been forgotten by everyone else. Of giving to those who will never be able to give you in return. Of remembering our human vulnerability.

Zaidy, you were whole with Hashem.

You walked modestly with Hashem. 

You loved every person unconditionally. 

And it's just impossible not to feel that love in return. 

והחי יתן אל לבו.

Zaidy, I don't know if my heart can ever be as good as yours, but Bli neder I will try my best to emulate you. 

Zaidy, we miss you! We miss your bright smile. We miss your stories and speeches at sheva brachos with the intro that "I will speak to the women."  We miss you so much at our simchas. 

And yes, I miss our driving lessons...

But I know that we won't have to miss you for long! May the zechus of all your Ahavas yisroel bring Moshiach right now!!!! 

והקיצו ורננו שוכני עפר והוא בתוכם!