13 Comments

This entire essay is a paean that captures the human condition pretty effectively.

Expand full comment

Thank you

Expand full comment

Very nice piece, Erica. Question: was the Russian resort that your mother took you to called Rova Farm? My parents went there once a year, after attending an annual conference in Philadelphia.

Expand full comment

No. It was Arrow Park in Monroe NY

Expand full comment

Beautifully written. I am a Jew by choice who does not believe in a supernatural entity that many call God. When I wanted to convert, I asked the rabbi if I had to stand up in front of people and say I believe in God, because I could not do that. When he told me a person does not have to believe in God to be Jewish, I was in! My Christian mother was heartbroken, but I have been enriched by a liberal Christian childhood and a non-believing Jewish adulthood. The very best summation of my view can be found in Yuval Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century at the bottom of page 202. Highly recommended and available from online thrift booksellers.

Expand full comment

thank you

Expand full comment

Erica, I love this. A loving but easily bored mother -- I totally get that. And you describe her so well I can almost see her. All best wishes to you as you contemplate meeting her again -- I for one do not want to see my mother again, but in any case she wouldn't recognize me, as she never saw me when she was alive.

Expand full comment

Loved this article. I really liked your Mom and remember how much fun Noel and I had with her when she visited Arizona. I always looked at her as a role model for aging as she was so engaged and interested in everything and great company. I had to laugh at your description of Arrow.

Expand full comment

A lovely piece, Erica.

Expand full comment

Erica, this was a beautifully written and heartfelt true story. I remember when Lonnie and I went with you to the communist camp you went to up in the Catskills was it? Jon Lubell (my boy friend at the time) His mother was also a communist school teacher with the same beliefs, which she acted upon. Appreciating the wonders of nature and doing good for others is deeply spiritual and perhaps she didn't believe in God, but through her living this way she connected with and manifested God.

Expand full comment

Thank you Erica for that beautiful rememberance of your mother. What a blessing to have had her long enough to become friends. Our mothers would have enjoyed one another from their atheism to bridge mavenism.

Expand full comment

Beautiful Erica - Love this.

You are such a wonderful storyteller

What an interesting woman you had as a mother

Expand full comment

thanks dianne. she was interesting

Expand full comment