Yorzeight - On Site

We visited Oma & Opa's graves today, a year since Oma passed away.
The family came, some friends - a quorum to witness their absense.
A few words were spoken, the sentiment of her/their loss shared, and then, in the finest Jewish tradition - we went and ate dinner.
The world is a colder place without Oma, her warmth was unique & comforting - even at a distance, and conveyed a reassurance - Oma was around, even if not there at that moment; Never more that a phone call - or a cup of coffee - away.
Just knowing that, made the world a friendlier place to live, and a bit more bearable.
Now that she's gone - and every day drives that realization home more permanently - there's a void, and the world is less bearable, because you can't call Oma anymore, nor sit down for a chat with her, share your burden - and if there ever was a person not only willing, but happy to help shoulder whatever it was that was dragging you down - it was Oma.
And while they say that graveyards are full of people who can't be replaced - one graveyard in Kfar Vradim fits that description - because Oma can't be replaced. ever.
She was one of a kind, an icon, and while it may be better to have loved and lost - it hurts much more.
I must admit to metaphysical scepticism, but one thing I do know - more than living on in our hearts and memories, Oma is defined by the hole left in all that knew her.
More than talking with Oma as if she were here, I grieve her absence, and not being here with us these days, every day.
I miss you, Oma, terribly.