Musings Beyond the Bunker #104 (Friday July 30)
Good morning,
Much has been written about the simple response Abraham gave to g-d when he was called upon. G-d says, “Abraham.” Abraham responds, “Hineini,” loosly translated as “I am here.” But the word does not mean just that (there are other phrases that impart the simple notion that one is physically present). The word “hineini” means more than simple physical presence. It is said to stand for physical, mental and emotional presence. Rabbi Ari Kaiman says that it means “I am here for you fully, with the trust and vulnerability to do whatever it is you ask of me.”
We all have our hineini moments, when someone is truly present—totally and completely. For example, I was there when Andrea gave birth to our children—but in a way that far exceeds mere physical presence.
Sometimes the hineini moment comes at the darkest times. My father used to say (and I realize this isn’t singularly Bill Sonnenberg’s idea) that your friends are there for you when it’s not fun to be with you.
And so it was on December 14, 2017. The doorbell rang. There stood Tom Masenga, “suited up” for work and, anachronistically, standing at our front door. What he said next I will never forget. “What do you need? Tell me what to do.” No nonsense, no “my thoughts and prayers are with you.” All about action. What do you need done?
It’s not really much of a story, I understand. But to me it spoke volumes about friendship and about the people we choose to accompany us on life’s journey. He is not the only one, of course, who was there for us. But the image of him at the front door is one I carry with me all the time. As they say, one doesn’t choose one’s family; but one chooses one’s friends. In my life, I have had the good fortune to have chosen wisely.
Have a great day,
Glenn
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