MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Many years ago my Aunt Esther Friedman became a widow. A few years later she happened to meet a wonderful elderly gentleman, Chazan Yitzchok Friedman. Interestingly he had the same last name as her first husband. He was a gem of a man, always radiating simcha. Although they both suffered through the Holocaust years, they kept strong and never forgot their heritage.

Everyday for the past 50 years he has recited the entire Tehillim. Unbelievable and very special indeed.

Believe it or not these two elderly people decided to get married, against both their families advice. It was a very shocking shidduch. He in his mid eighties and she in her mid seventies. Despite their advanced age, the couple felt they were made for each other and wanted to spend the rest of their years together. They could not be discouraged.

I remember being honored with a Brocho under their Chuppah. It was an interesting wedding to say the least.

Now it is almost fifteen years later and they are still happily married. Who would have ever thought. He is almost 100 years old and she is almost 90 years old, both going strong, living together at home. It is a true inspiration to watch them interact and take care of each other, with the greatest respect. From where do people get such courage and inner strength to keep on going without reservation? No doubt they have a tremendous Simchas Hachaim with loads of Emunah and Bitochon. They are unstoppable and live it daily. What an example and legacy they are leaving to be emulated.

When we are connected to Hashem,  the unimaginable, the impossible happens. Who ever dreamt they would survive and live together so long. No doubt Hashem saw how much they valued life and appreciated everyday. They didn’t take anything for granted. They cherished time and with that brought Simcha to their families. Never did they loose sight of how precious each day was that Hashem was giving them. They were rewarded with healthy long years. May we merit the same, to serve Hashem with appreciation and most important, Simcha.