My Room, My Life And Yom Kippur
I started the new Jewish year, 5787, with my first goal: emptying the red room.
More than fifteen years ago, our daughter Sarah decided to paint the walls of our den a deep red. She wanted to turn it into a sort of “man cave” for me. I remember how excited she was to paint it, and how touched I was that she wanted to make a special room for her dad.
Over the years, the walls filled with framed memories, from enlarged family pictures to record albums. My guitars, books, and “Jewish stuff” filled the room. And, of course, there was my leather recliner, where I could read, sit quietly, and fall asleep. It truly was my room.
Today I took the pictures down and carried everything out. Even the blue carpet is being torn up. I stood in the room for a while after it was empty. I knew where everything had been.
My “red room” is becoming the guest bedroom Mary wants. It makes her happy. That’s what I want—I want Mary to be happy.
Casper lay down on the carpet while I worked. He turns fifteen next month. He will continue to follow me wherever I go.
Maybe a man’s room is wherever his dog is.
Today I fast. Wishing you all a sweet year.
