“My Lily, you know I’m not much of an art critic. I probably need to spend more time with it to understand.” I knew the day’s turbulence contributed to my unease, but I didn’t want to reopen that subject. She stayed quiet.
“Please don’t be sad.”
“All right. I’ll wait to hear what you think later.”
“I promise.”
A small smile returned to her face, her eyes full of hope.
Our wedding day was coming to a close. A day that began with great fanfare was ending, for me at least, on a subdued note. From the exhilaration of a dream fulfilled – to the sting of mistakes, and the hurt we caused those closest to us. Even if it was the realization of our dream, we had forgotten our families, the parents who gave us so much. I felt I had betrayed them – especially my mother. I was ready to do anything to make it right. Thankfully, Lily was in full agreement.
Chapter 28
Correspondence
23 November 1975(First Letter)
My dear man,
As a first step toward realizing our rights, I called the rabbinate. It’s impossible to register for marriage without both of us present. You’ll have to get leave on Thursday so that we can register on Friday.
I cleaned the apartment and didn’t go to Avni this morning. I’ll go in the afternoon. My parents suggested inviting your parents over without waiting for you to come home from the army. I think they’re right. So I plan to call them and invite them for tea on Tuesday afternoon. My parents look so happy, and I’m walking on air.
My man, I wear with pride the ring that binds us in a covenant for life together, a life that will be as happy as in the fairy tales. I love you as only the two of us can love. I feel you close, stroking, kissing, loving, my man.
My husband, my beloved, my dearest – my Michael – everything feels wonderful. I’m light, floating, smiling, beautiful – the happiness radiates from me and to me. The whole world smiles at me and I smile back.
When you return, the picture of the couple with the locked gaze will already be framed and hanging. It will always stay with us, this image I created, inspired by you. I love it more and more because of what lies beyond it, what you and I see in it.
Today we received a bouquet of flowers from my father’s sister in Jerusalem. My parents accept it all with great joy, and it seems the rest of the family, too.
My brother called from his base and was thrilled.
People ask why my eyes are shining and my face glowing. I know that the shine in my eyes is your reflection in me. It’s you glowing inside me. I simply radiate outward what I feel within.
My man, yours forever.
Kisses, Lily
23 November 1975
We’re heading out into the field tonight.
My Lily, you probably won’t get letters every day, but I, your man, will do my best to do something about that. If you can, drop by my mother. Please talk with her – it will surely do her good.
Lily, my love, time is short and the tasks many – shaving, polishing, and all the rest at lightning speed.
Soon we set out, and already the moment to finish has come. My Lily, my dear wife, I love you and will do so until the end of time. Send me the flavors of the city in a small warm package.
I don’t know when I’ll be back. I’ll try for Shabbat, but I can’t promise – things change here at the speed of light.
Be well, and think of me.
Your man! Loving, loving, loving you – loving you so much!
Yours, your husband,
Michael.
