Last night was the final night of Hanukah 2020. I felt I should pause to remember the influence my father has had on me. My father told me since I was a child, “prevenir et mieux que guerir” (literally translated “prevention is better than healing”). Today with the pandemic this also easily translates to wear a mask.
For those who knew my father, he was an Egyptian-French Jewish hippie-like fun loving character. He was an “empath.” He would hear of how someone feels and wanted to find some way he could help within his capabilities and means.
He didn’t have much money so instead he gave his time and his humor and love of life. He felt that improving someones “espirit” or spirit would increase their level of fulfillment and by extension their health and happiness. He loved to distract people from their day to day issues and find a way to make people smile and laugh.
I started this blog in October 2020 as an outgrowth of the pandemic and the political turmoil. I found myself pursuing outdoor adventures instead of the gym. I would research and go hiking, biking and kayaking always at different venues taking pictures along the way.
My father had also enjoyed taking old movies and pictures. He always had the best gadgets. These all came in very handy when he was aging with dementia. The pictures and movies would often bring him to the present with us.
I felt I needed to find something to offer those who were feeling isolated or at political odds by emulating my father and finding a distraction to help. Hence the blog. It’s my gift to share safe opportunities to go out and foster improved health, happiness and well-being and in return I have received wonderful words of encouragement.
I enjoy meeting some of the strangers in my pictures and then sending them the photograph. Since I’m not a photographer and the blog is not a business I feel a sense of freedom in what I write and of what and how I take pictures and then can share it all freely. I love to hear of why people like a certain picture, place or piece of history. It’s a gift to see strangers support one another on an adventure regardless of race, gender, religion or political affiliation. So the blog is symbiotic- we support one another virtually. Such a gift for me and others.
For me its a gift that keeps on giving. This is a gift I got from my father which I share with my children and with all those who may wish to have similar experiences.
Find a distraction for your mental health, wear a mask for your physical health, smile and be kind to others in their similar quest.
Prevenir est mieux que guerir. Thank you for all your gifts Papa.
Virtually join me so we can encourage one another. Happy Holidays.
Pivot and Pause in New England 