Commemorating a Commemoration

About one year ago, shortly after I was discharged from the hospital following my most-recent HIPEC and cytoreduction, we hosted a small gathering in our home to commemorate the amazing work of Professor Avi Nissan and team.  Along with the ICU doctors and nurses, they did unbelievable work and, a mere three weeks post-op, I was home.

According to Jewish tradition, there are several ways to show appreciation for a life-saving event.  One is to host a meal of thanksgiving (a “seudat hodaya“), during which we praise God and offer thanks.

We held ours on the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday.  For a variety of reasons, I felt it would be particularly befitting to double-up on the festival by adding a personal touch.  I invite you to listen to the speech I gave by clicking here.  It’s just under 15 minutes and, at the time I gave it, I didn’t expect to post it online, so it’s a bit rough and does require some basic knowledge of Jewish customs and terminology.  (If you’re interested in any clarification, I’ll be happy to share it privately.)

So, while I won’t be hosting another meal of thanksgiving this year, I maintain that every meal is indeed so, even though I am still in the throes of dealing with cancer.