Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including "When Words Matter Most." She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on "Atlanta and Company" and nationally on NBC's "Today" show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.
As Chanukah approaches I feel especially grateful to look forward to our grandchildren enjoying the holiday traditions as we celebrate together. This year, however, like so many others, many of our beloved family members are no longer with us.
Recently after attending in the same day my brother's unveiling and that evening a memorable event at The Breman my Aunt Lois Blonder was chairing before she passed away. Now, they were honoring her along with Jarvin Levison, Sandra Adair and Tom Asher, all whose dedicated lives and abundant love served as a legacy. It was a moving reminder how precious and fragile life is. How our deeds and the gifts of our actions make a difference and become our story. We blink and life happens. We blink again and it changes.
Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. We can choose to focus on what brings us meaning and joy. We can receive the gifts of love given to us and live by the lessons learned that inspire us and help make us better versions of ourselves. Every day we can wake up and try, try again.
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One of my greatest gifts is seeing the smiles on our grandchildren's faces. It's as simple as hearing each of them say our "grandparent" designated names of Ro Ro and Zayde. It's music to our ears and as a result, our hearts are full.
The greatest gifts of Chanukah are not material gifts. They are the people we love and those who love us. The memories that even time cannot take away or diminish. Let the lights shine on and may your family's holiday be brightened by the gift of times shared filled with togetherness.
After all is said and done, love is the best gift you can give, receive, and return. As the adages goes, "Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present."