The Story of a Home 

As told to Rivka Streicher

“S

urele, can we talk?” My father took me into his study just days after he’d gotten up from shivah for his father.

“How would you feel about going to live with Grandma for a bit?” His expression said it was a huge request, that he couldn’t really believe he was asking it of a 14-year-old.

“Me?”

“Yes, you’re the oldest grandchild. It’s hard for Grandma to be on her own in the house in Manchester. She won’t move in with any of the children. Not that she has to, she’s only in her sixties and values her independence, you know….”

I knew.

I closed my eyes and thanked my lucky stars.