Little boys at bedtime get happy endings. “And the president gave him one.” I was about to start the explanation when my phone buzzed

I

t’s been two weeks already but I keep replaying the moment. It was Zos Chanukah. What does a Jewish mother pray for on this precious day? If she has time to pray.

The day was fading. In between homework and cooking and breaking up fights I davened.

I prayed for each of my kids listing their names.

The menorahs were still standing sentry at the window but we wouldn’t be lighting them again for another year.

I prayed for a list of cholim for recovery and strength and health.

It was getting dark. Zos Chanukah. I added a prayer for one more name Sholom Mordechai ben Rivka.

Then it was bedtime. “Come Dovi I’ll tell you a story.” I searched my mind for a seed.

“Okay once upon a time there was a little boy called Ziggy. Ziggy had a secret wish. He really wanted a…”

“Saxophone ” Dovi supplied.

“Um okay a saxophone. So one day Ziggy was playing outside and he saw flashing lights.” What’s a good story without flashing lights? “A big fancy car came down the block and stopped right near Ziggy! The car door opened and out came the president.”

“What’s a president?”

“A president is in charge of the whole country. Like a king. Usually no one gets to talk to the president but all of a sudden the president was there! And Ziggy said this guy can give me whatever I want! So Ziggy said to the president ‘Can I have a saxophone?’ ”

Little boys at bedtime get happy endings. “And the president gave him one.” I was about to start the explanation when my phone buzzed.

I looked at the message. First thought: It’s a hoax.

But… wait that doesn’t make sense.

Still staring at the screen I called to my husband “Listen to this text I just got.” I couldn’t read it to him though because an incoming call flashed on the screen — my father.

That’s when I knew it was true.

My father spoke slowly my husband rubbed his eyes. Hayinu k’cholmim — we are like dreamers. My kids clustered round: Who is he? What happened? Tell me!

You don’t understand I’ve been davening for this every single day since before you were born. (Excerpted from Family First Issue 574)