Condolence: Dear David,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family . Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Frima & Jerry

Condolence: May you rest in peace Barbara, I know of you through your son, he was proud of you and loved you with all his heart. You raised a great boy, he has a heart of gold. Jan

Condolence: Not many children are able to pay back their parents for the life and unconditional love they were given. In 2002, I was given that opportunity when my mom was diagnosed with stage 3B non small cell lung cancer. From the moment the doctor told me of her diagnosis I made myself the promise that I was going to be there for her unconditionally and return all that she has given me. She didn’t know the doctor and I couldn’t imagine someone she didn’t know telling her she was so sick. That was news that needed to be delivered by only someone who loved her. I walked into her room where she was recovering from her biopsy. With tears in my eyes I gave her the news. I told her then we would fight every step of the way and how very much I loved her. She was right there with me and ready to fight. My dad and I became quite a team at that point. It was now the three of us and we were in for a long haul.
You see, as a child Ive been told I was a bit of a handful. I worked very hard to build a reputation I am not very proud of today. I haven’t shared this with many people but I used to pray for god to give me her cancer and make her well again. It had been years since I had any trouble but I felt her life was worth more than mine and that I could handle what she was given. Im sure god listened but he had a different plan for me. I was going to stand by her until the end. I was going to help in any way I could.
She soon underwent a surgery where a large part of her lung was removed. Her recovery was very hard. The surgery was followed by many rounds of chemo, cat scans, radiation, more surgery, more chemo, pokes and prods with neuropathy thrown in. At one point she was cancer free. Things where looking up for a time. The doctors called her a miracle. Unfortunately, it was only temporary. The cancer returned and we had a few more battles to endure. 10 years later, on Saturday morning at 1:55 am, with myself, my dad and Jobie holding my mom she succumbed to her cancer after a long and courageous battle not many people could have endured.
I look at the last 10 years as an honor. In some way I look at her cancer as what made our relationship what is today. It brought us closer together. I would have rather it been motorcycles or tattoos but if not for what it was I may not have ever have known her as well as I did.
I will always be so proud of my mom. She not only gave me life but many other gifts as well. Whether it was my love of music, food, cooking or even ballet she taught me well. My mom loved a good joke even if it was a bit dirty. She was however a true lady. Her hair most often perfect and always dressed well she was the foundation of our family. She drove us, cooked for us, comforted us when we needed her and gave the best back scratches ever. Her love for us as also unconditional as our love was for her.
My mom was born in 1931 to Jennie and Joe Plotkin in Milwaukee where her family owned and operated a deli. She worked for Wisconsin Bell until she married my dad. My mom and dad at first lived in an apartment on Howard Street. A few years after moving to Howard Street they had their first child. A beautiful baby girl, named Gail Diane. Sometime around 1964, they bought their home in Skokie. Gail was followed by what I have been told by my mom was the most gorgeous and biggest baby boy born at that time in Skokie Valley Hospital. At 9 lbs 15 and ¾ ounces I already owed her for carrying me around as long as she did.
Fast forward 47 years later and It all seems like yesterday. Life goes by so fast. While you still have the chance, tell the ones you love that you love them each and every day. Keep in mind that each step you take and word you speak leaves a permanent path for others to follow. I will continue to follow the path my mom has left for me till I meet her again.
Thanks mom for the guidance and love that you gave me and helping lead the way to the man I have become. I miss you already and will always hold you in my heart.
If I haven’t told you today that I love you the day hasn’t started yet.