“Oh, it’s just my mom… it is her 82nd birthday today”
On a recent trip, in route from my hotel to the airport, I was cordially conversing with the Uber driver when his cell phone rang. “MOM, Cell Phone” was displayed on the screen. Perhaps, to not interrupt our somewhat meaningless conversation, he declined the call and said, “Oh, it’s just my mom… it is her 82nd birthday today”. For the remainder of the journey to the airport, I was silent. How could he NOT answer that precious call? Does he realize that he may not have many future birthday greetings to offer on his phone to his mother?
Eva Mozes Kor would be celebrating her 89th birthday on Tuesday, 1/31/23. This recent Uber experience has given me cause to pause and again be reminded how much I miss my mother. I thought that this agonizing wound from loss would have healed by now. But, the painful scar continues to rear its ugly head. Time provides me episodes of analgesia but the anesthesia wears off periodically.
During the last 20 plus years of my mom’s life, I spoke to her every day; sometimes more than once/ day. Truly hesitant to admit this child-like practice, I routinely called my mom after work to catch up on her daily activities. Whether she was at the museum, at home, or on the road lecturing, I cherished those conversations. On more than one occasion since 7/4/19, I have dialed her number to only be reminded of reality.
If I had one more phone call from my mother, I would surely NOT let the call go to voicemail. If I had that one more call, what would I tell my mom? Without hesitation, with tears in my eyes, I would tell her how much I love her and that I miss her every day. I would ask if she is watching Purdue football and basketball games with Dad while eating “chicken nuggets” with Doda Miriam. In addition, I would tell her that I have (unfortunately) maintained my bachelor status while continuing my search. I am certain that our conversation would last for hours, but I would make sure that she is aware that her hope, healing and humanity are needed here on earth more than ever. In addition, due to the resurgence of hate and anti-Semitism here, I would reassure her that her work and life lessons continue to positively affect the world, and that I (and many others) are determined to continue to tell her story.
To celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Eva Education Day in Indiana on Jan. 27th as well as my mom’s birthday on January 31st, I invite you to attend and participate in the following:
1. Thursday, Jan. 26th, from 6 PM – 7 PM EST, Opening of “Eva’s Scarves” Exhibit at CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute, IN.
2. Saturday, Jan. 28th, 10 AM – 5 PM EST, Eva Kor Education Day at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis, IN.
3. Sunday, Jan. 29th, 2 PM EST, Performance of “Remembrance of Things Present” via ZOOM by the-braid.org.
4. Monday, Jan. 30th , 8 PM EST, Virtual performance of the Opera, “Eva and the Angel of Death” by the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies (at the University of Texas) .
5. Tuesday, Jan. 31st, In memory of Eva Kor, foot screening and shoe distribution in Indianapolis in conjunction with Samaritan’s Feet, Jewish Family Services in Indianapolis and CANDLES Holocaust Museum.
Lastly, during the next 5 days, my cell phone will be on my person at all times as I will be hoping for a long distance phone call from Heaven!