Festival of Lights and Hope – Night Eight

This Hanukkah season did not look at all like what I had imagined. I had some vague plans of making latkes and sufganiyot, spending time with friends and family, and, of course, going to the congregational Hanukkah Shabbat service. Eliza’s diagnosis of RSV threw a wrench into all of those plans, but it still turned out to be a sweet and lovely holiday. As I grow into my parenthood, I’m learning that I need to fret less about plans that go awry because, most of the time, those plans are really more about making memories that I think I should be making with my family. The real memories come in the unexpected moments, like when Eliza sits next to Tinnin as they share a bowl or peppermint ice cream or when Olive colors with her. Those are the moments I cherish the most. 

Tonight, Livia and Shira dropped by to light candles with us, which was the perfect way to end Hanukkah. I watched Eliza’s face as she took in the light of the fully lit hanukiyah while being held by her beloved papa and surrounded by people who love her and her siblings. I am so lucky.