Since I was a tyke, I have always been mesmerized by rainbows.  Yes, I know this was influenced by my yeshiva training- which always associated the appearance of the technicolor event as part of Hashem’s promise to us.

But, it’s more than that.  It’s more than the beauty, more than its rarity.  Generally, I see these august bows when I am pondering a change, an issue, a dilemna.  And, that appearance helps guide me through the event.  (Amazingly, my children [OK, my two older children] also have this same affinity.)

There are other awesome appearances- a glorious sunrise and sunset.  When I lived in Ann Arbor and Charlottesville, those sunsets could engage me for minutes- sometimes an hour.  When I commuted to DC from Charlottesville in the early dawn (OK, it was predawn when I left), the vision of the sun rising over the horizon about the time we were traversing Culpeper meant I put my papers down, and even stopped eating my breakfast.

Yet, it’s not just the natural events that take my breath away.  It’s the actions of folks, folks helping others, going out of their way to ensure the well-being of others that evokes such power of awe.  I know my children have learned that, too- because of the role models they had.  (Sorry folks- this blog is not one where I shall toot my own horn.)

For the past year, I’ve had to rely on the kindness and graciousness of others.  For most of the past year, I couldn’t walk.  It’s been about 6 weeks now that I can clump around.   (I even finally retired the use of my dining room as my office, since I can maneuver [that means, I don’t fall down] the steps.)

As such, I feel it’s time for me to manifest my feelings of awe for those that have managed to make a profound difference in my life.

In no special order, Shanna, who took time off before the major spring cleaning (and house re-ordering) festival of Passover to pick up food, pots/pans/utensils, drive down from Philly to DC, stock my home and drive back.  That’s at least 7 hours of precious time she could have used to  prepare her own home.  Thanks.

Shira and Daniel came to help after one or more of my major surgeries (don’t ask how many- too many!).

But, the more frequent- and invaluable help- came from Andy, Allen, and Dennis.

Andy has been my go-to driver to the hospital (at least once a week), infectious disease specialists (thankfully long done), normal physician, grocery store, and the occasional haircut.  Despite the hours chosen by the practitioners (rush hour, of course) and never a complaint.

Allen has made it possible, once I was no longer unable to travel or climb the steps, for me to attend shul.  That means he leaves his house at 0 dark 30, drives from DC to Alexandria, picks me up, drives back to DC for shul, drives me home to Alexandria, and then drives back home.  Thank you very much, Allen, for making my shul prayers possible.

Dennis has been the alternate driver.  To the grocery store, to the barber, and the like.  Thanks for being there, too.

We can’t make folks behave in an awesome fashion.  But, it’s our job to notice it when and if they do.

Because when we recognize the majesty of Hashem’s creations and the ultimate kindness of others, our gratitude and contentedness expands to not just those occurrences, but to everyone and everything around us.  Given the pandemic around us- with the inconsiderate (won’t wear a mask, won’t be inoculated, just plain PITA’s) ones- that feeling needs to be made manifest.  For our own well-being.

Seek out the awesome.  It will perk your life up.