Toby had a pretty good weekend, and is slowly regaining some energy: he was able to walk a bit and go up and down the stairs. His mood is sunnier too. I however, have been completely unable to muster the energy to write an update and am so happy to share this letter about Toby from my father. I want to let you all know that we are fine and settling into our wonderful new home on Temple Court. I will update soon.
From Saba:
Toby is an extraordinary human being. Throughout his lengthy ordeal, he has, incredibly, preserved his smart, sharp intelligence, his sense of humor, curiosity, good natured complexion, and, short of a better term, his stoicism in the face of suffering. It is he, to my mind, who enables his parents to be such remarkable people.
Subjected to cruel and savage treatment, consisting in being killed slowly and then saved at the last moment, strengthened for the next killing session, cycle after destructive cycle, operated again and again, disfigured physically, he has managed to preserve his amazing character intact and to convince those he comes into contact with of his divine imprint. He seems a living instance of the separation of body and soul.
It is hard to believe, but true nevertheless, that, even in his misery, the barely four year old boy has preserved his gracious generosity (and I know precisely what I am talking about) and the ability to escape, at least occasionally, the world of suffering, which is his share since last April.
I write these lines with great difficulty, but they reflect truthfully my deep conviction that what I describe is entirely accurate, though inadequate to convey convincingly Toby’s unusual personality.
I hope and pray he will eventually be cured of his awful disease and that the cure will not affect too heavily the life of this remarkable boy.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Thank you, Saba, for your truly beautiful "portrait" of our Grandson, Toby. He IS a remarkable child, one who exhibits wisdom, empathy, generosity, thoughtfulness and the intelligence of an older and wiser young man. Yet, at the same time he is an adorable, delightful and precious 4 year old little boy. He is pure joy!
Stephen and Mooki have nurtured these inborn qualities with their gentle parenting and loving guidance. Toby will grow up to become an extraordinary gentleman.
Gracias, Bernie and Merci
May the New Year be kind to Toby and all his family.
Thilde.
Wow. Thank you for sharing that with us.
--Susan, Aniella & Ina Zaslavsky
Can someone post Toby's Hebrew name so that we may include him most especially in our High Holy Day prayers? May this be a year of true Refuah, true healing, for this sweet little boy and his loving, steadfast parents. -Debra
Thank you for sharing your deeply emotional and loving tribute to Toby - he seems (even from afar) to shine extra brightly. Bless your family and continue to pray for Toby's physical healing and spiritual strength.
Post a Comment