Abraham Ginzburg, my grandfather from my fathers’ side past away a couple of hours ago. My father was on his way to visit him, he called him from the way to tell him that he is coming, when the doctor answered the phone and gave him the news. The funeral will be held probably tomorrow in kibbutz Na’an, where he lived in the last 40 years or so. He was a blacksmith, and in general gifted with his hands. He was an artist in his soul, but was too practical and realist (as most kibbutzim members are) to do that for a living. Still he created many beautiful installations in his kibbutz, and entire generations grew up on things he invented for the many playgrounds that are still being used there to this date.
I last visited my grandpa two weeks ago, together with Willem, my dear Dutch friend that came to visit Israel for the very first time. I took Willem there to show him what a kibbutz look like, and during that visit a lot of childhood memories flooded my mind. One of these memories described in the scene in the water color painting above. Me and my grandpa in the kibbutzs’ swimming pool. Anyway, in this last visit Abraham looked good. He was a little confused, but showed interest in Willem, about me and my plans for the future, and we talked for a while until he got tired and we said goodbye.
I love my grandpa very much, and it is still hard to believe that he is gone. I have to admit that because his funeral will be a secular one, in the kibbutz way, it will be a little easer for me to attend. I do not like funerals. I think its because I hate saying goodbye. Abraham was very old, and he told me in several occasions that he is just waiting for his turn to die. His wife, my grandma died about 10 years ago, and he felt very lonely without her.
Life seems too short, until you are ready.
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Tags: family, painting, pictures, water colors
On the one hand I feel sorry about your loss (I can imagine it – I remember when I felt the same way when I lost my gradnfather, who – for me – was a farmer but the greatest philosoph) .
On the other hand – isn’t it marvelous to have a grandfather like yours? A man, whose creativity will inspire still following generations? Your words about your grandfather are very touching. I am sure that he always is with you, because your common experiences became part of your personality.
warmfully greetings from Austria! Maria
last but not least: I like the paintings from your grandfather!
omer, my sincere condolences with the loss of your grandfather.
it’s touching me: it’s just some 10 days ago we saw him, he looked so alive and interested and struck me as a real “mensch” who took an interest in his grandson, in me the friend too; too bad i don’t speak russian or hebrew. i had the strange feeling he sort of felt how i was feeling at that moment… i’m a bit sad
and now a secular kaddisj for abraham ginzburg..
courage,
willem
Dear Omer
I am so sorry for your loss. But the memories of your grandfather and you together stay with you forever. They never say goodbye. Hamakom yinacheim etchem b’tokh sha’ar avelei itzion veyerushalayim.
Gerry
Dear Omer,
We are so sorry to hear about your grandpa. In our visit you spoke of him fondly. Please accept our sincerest condolences. The water colour of the two of you captures the joy of your relationship. We really enjoyed having you stay with us in Vancouver. The weather became gloomy the day after you left : 17 C and rainy. Very apropos.
Fondly,
Tamara, David , Naomi and Adina