I wonder if your mom was aware of the joy she brought into the lives of others? I hope you know that you inherited the same capacity. It's not the kind of thing you want to wait to admit at your funeral.
None of us live resume lives. We’re far more rounded than that and often it’s in the things we wouldn’t put on a resume that reveal our true humanity and uniqueness. I, too, love that you paid tribute to your mom in this way. Sounds like she had a great sense of humour! Like mother, like son.
I’m glad that several family members thanked you for your levity. As you say, you can’t please everyone all the time. But your mom sounds like someone who came to enjoy doing things that flew in the face of convention. Same for your dad. To anyone who might have said, “Larry, you can’t tell that story about your mom”, your dad might have replied in his distinctive Bronx accent: “Kid, looks like we just did…”
I love that you did this. Even if not everyone appreciated it, those who did were obviously very lightened by this heartfelt memory. There were several moments that made me laugh out loud, and I am sure there is nothing more important than that to keep her memory alive. Well done!
* Thanks for guiding me to this story, Larry! It absolutely lit me up, in that “laughing with a lump in my throat” kind of way. My dad (also laid to rest at Mt. Sinai, next to my mom), as you know, was a devoted “collector” too, just like Mama Urish. "Anti-semitic sharks" busted me up!
Thanks, Matthew. I didn't know you were a member of the Tribe. Or I forgot.
On that note, one of these days I'm going to write a piece about what I'll call "de facto gibberish–based child abuse," aka my bar mitzvah. That was in 1971. Still too soon...
Anyway, the ol' gal had NO IDEA that her comment about antisemitic sharks was so hilarious. I had to tell her! Rest in peace, Mom. And if you happen to see Uncle Jelly, grab his backpack. It's worth something.
Yes, I am a "Member of the Tribe" and was also Bar Mitzvah'd in 1971 (at The Colonial House). The only thing I wanted more than the gifts/presents on that day was Carol Seligsen, the hottest six-foot-tall redhead *OfAllTime* who I seated right next to me. Good times! And I wonder what your mom and my dad could possibly be "borrowing."
Larry: Such a great reflection - and this is genius - a punchline I didn't see coming and one that is PERFECT!
"By now, we’re all asking the obvious question: Why even mention the stolen creamers? Why now?
Answer: Until very recently, her easily managed life as a “functional kleptomaniac” was limited mostly to creamers. But, we would all agree – right here, right now – that when she left us a few days ago, she also stole a big piece of our hearts."
I'm so glad you brought it to my attention. I've seen a few folks on Substack who republish a post like this on the anniversary of a passing. This would qualify!
This was beautiful, Larry. It was also original – and who wouldn’t want to be remembered as a real person? I certainly would. I enjoyed every word.
That photo of your parents in the 50s is super cool, glad you added that. Also – I love Denny’s 😆 Americans always take the piss out of me for it but can’t get enough.
Man, this made me grin. Beautifully and hilariously written, and a heartwarming, unique tribute. I think Simon captured it wonderfully: "None of us live resume lives. We’re far more rounded than that and often it’s in the things we wouldn’t put on a resume that reveal our true humanity and uniqueness."
Truly brilliant, Larry. The eulogy was a genuine tribute and to have left out these wonderfully idiosyncratic elements of your Mom's personality would have done a real injustice to a colorful personality. I loved your setup and ending as well.
P.S. As I read your eulogy I thought of my mother. Had she been at the funeral, she would have loved it and laughed along with your stories. Because she was a character too -- and probably would've gotten along famously with your mother (maybe the could've formed a creamer-klepto club together).
I wonder if your mom was aware of the joy she brought into the lives of others? I hope you know that you inherited the same capacity. It's not the kind of thing you want to wait to admit at your funeral.
Thank you for the reminder, Rick. Sometimes there are things right in front of our eyes that we can't (or refuse to) see.
None of us live resume lives. We’re far more rounded than that and often it’s in the things we wouldn’t put on a resume that reveal our true humanity and uniqueness. I, too, love that you paid tribute to your mom in this way. Sounds like she had a great sense of humour! Like mother, like son.
I’m glad that several family members thanked you for your levity. As you say, you can’t please everyone all the time. But your mom sounds like someone who came to enjoy doing things that flew in the face of convention. Same for your dad. To anyone who might have said, “Larry, you can’t tell that story about your mom”, your dad might have replied in his distinctive Bronx accent: “Kid, looks like we just did…”
ha ha, love it simon
I love that you did this. Even if not everyone appreciated it, those who did were obviously very lightened by this heartfelt memory. There were several moments that made me laugh out loud, and I am sure there is nothing more important than that to keep her memory alive. Well done!
* Thanks for guiding me to this story, Larry! It absolutely lit me up, in that “laughing with a lump in my throat” kind of way. My dad (also laid to rest at Mt. Sinai, next to my mom), as you know, was a devoted “collector” too, just like Mama Urish. "Anti-semitic sharks" busted me up!
Thanks, Matthew. I didn't know you were a member of the Tribe. Or I forgot.
On that note, one of these days I'm going to write a piece about what I'll call "de facto gibberish–based child abuse," aka my bar mitzvah. That was in 1971. Still too soon...
Anyway, the ol' gal had NO IDEA that her comment about antisemitic sharks was so hilarious. I had to tell her! Rest in peace, Mom. And if you happen to see Uncle Jelly, grab his backpack. It's worth something.
Yes, I am a "Member of the Tribe" and was also Bar Mitzvah'd in 1971 (at The Colonial House). The only thing I wanted more than the gifts/presents on that day was Carol Seligsen, the hottest six-foot-tall redhead *OfAllTime* who I seated right next to me. Good times! And I wonder what your mom and my dad could possibly be "borrowing."
H.S. Class of '76?
Anyway, I imagine Mumzie and Uncle Jelly are quite the pilfering pair! Memo to the Afterlife: LOCK YOUR STUFF!
…love that you remember your mom through this specific hilarious highlight…it is the weirdness that makes us real and forever…
What a beautiful, heartfelt, and humorous tribute. I can see, hear, feel, taste, smell, and sense the love.
Thank you, Lisa. I really appreciate all of your support!!
Larry: Such a great reflection - and this is genius - a punchline I didn't see coming and one that is PERFECT!
"By now, we’re all asking the obvious question: Why even mention the stolen creamers? Why now?
Answer: Until very recently, her easily managed life as a “functional kleptomaniac” was limited mostly to creamers. But, we would all agree – right here, right now – that when she left us a few days ago, she also stole a big piece of our hearts."
I'm so glad you brought it to my attention. I've seen a few folks on Substack who republish a post like this on the anniversary of a passing. This would qualify!
This was beautiful, Larry. It was also original – and who wouldn’t want to be remembered as a real person? I certainly would. I enjoyed every word.
That photo of your parents in the 50s is super cool, glad you added that. Also – I love Denny’s 😆 Americans always take the piss out of me for it but can’t get enough.
Thank you for your encouragement, Claire. And truth be told, I really love Denny's too!
Man, this made me grin. Beautifully and hilariously written, and a heartwarming, unique tribute. I think Simon captured it wonderfully: "None of us live resume lives. We’re far more rounded than that and often it’s in the things we wouldn’t put on a resume that reveal our true humanity and uniqueness."
Truly brilliant, Larry. The eulogy was a genuine tribute and to have left out these wonderfully idiosyncratic elements of your Mom's personality would have done a real injustice to a colorful personality. I loved your setup and ending as well.
P.S. As I read your eulogy I thought of my mother. Had she been at the funeral, she would have loved it and laughed along with your stories. Because she was a character too -- and probably would've gotten along famously with your mother (maybe the could've formed a creamer-klepto club together).
Thanks Chris. Who knows? Maybe you mom and mine are "out there" in the ethereal world, kibbitzing about kleptomania! (??)
Yes, amidst much laughter.