Their husbands have passed away, their children and grandchildren live far from them. But these four women, the youngest of whom is 74, have each other. They get together weekly to share Shabbos — and life.
It’s 6:30 p.m. on Shabbos afternoon and Debby is patiently waiting for me in the lobby of herWilderton Avenueapartment building inMontreal. She is a petite brunette whose appearance belies her 80 years. “We’re all very excited about you coming ” she quietly tells me. Debby and the “girls ” as she and her three friends refer to each other have graciously invited me to Shalosh Seudos.
Debby lives on the ninth floor of this 1960s highrise. But today thankfully we have no steps to walk; we’re eating in Susan’s apartment on the first floor. A 74-year-old with sparkling blue eyes Susan opens the door with a flourish. “Welcome to my home ” she beams enthusiastically giving me a hug.
In an extremely large living/dining room I find the other two “girls.” Seated on an armchair beside the patio door is Helen the eldest of the group at age 90. She’s dressed in a brown skirt and white top. She warmly welcomes me with a smile and a wave of her hand as does the elegant ash-blonde Bobbi classically dressed in a tasteful beige sweater set and skirt. Bobbi 83 is seated beneath some beautifully crafted needlepoints — “My mother made those ” shares Susan an ever-attentive hostess.
It’s a comfortable room. The summer sun flows through the white sheer draperies casting a golden glow on the ivory walls. My eye catches a montage of family photos. “That’s my son and his family and that’s my husband” Susan says proudly pointing out a picture of a short cheerful-looking man standing among many grandchildren. A small smile appears on her face as she gazes at the photo.
Create a free account to keep reading.
