Holiday Celebrations
Today is Nowruz, the Persian New Year and our anniversary. Although Peter, the love of my life is no longer with me, I still celebrate him, for he had a way of bringing love and joy to everyone with whom he came into contact with. I feel proud and blessed to have been his wife.
It is also a week from Passover. I have been preparing for the Seder. It is just our little family, not like years past, when Peter was alive. Then we used to have crowds. Later my cousin Ola held it. Even later still, her children did. However, with the advent of the Covid pandemic, the past two Passovers have been smaller and quite intimate. We are only six people this year. Just my immediate little family.
Friday I made macaroons and candied orange peels. It took me the whole day! I am getting much slower and getting frustrated with myself because of it. Yesterday Kelly, Andrea, and Teal all dropped by. I loved it. They tasted all the goodies.
‘’Just one of each! Leave some for the seder!’’ I warned.
They looked at all the trays lined up on the dining table and took a couple more. I smiled happily. That means they like them. With tails wagging expectantly, the pups eyed them closely as they followed them around, hoping for a tidbit.
Early this morning, I did not allow myself the luxury of lolling in bed. “Get up! Get up!” I scolded myself. “But it Sunday morning! Am I not entitled to sleep later, then?”
“Definitely not! What in heaven’s name are you thinking of? It’s Passover next week. PASSOVER! What is the matter with you?’’ I answered myself.
Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed. I put on my dressing gown and looked longingly at my old worn-out armchair. Sipping a cup of tea as I sat there would be so wonderful. My voice of reason would have none of it, however. I clambered down the stairs. Entering the kitchen, I drew the curtains apart. The sun was just rising. It tinged the horizon to a blushing pink hue. I gazed at the sky and smiled. It promised to be a perfect beautiful spring day! I had tea in the teapot which I had brewed the night before. I microwaved a cup and sipped at it as I worked. I took the fish I had bought the day before from the fridge. I was making saluna, a favorite fish dish. I prepped it and put it in the freezer to be baked on Passover day. The whole day I prepped and packed, prepped and packed.
My friend Shama called later that morning to wish me a Happy Now Ruz. She said she might drop by tomorrow. At about two o’clock, Kelly walked in with a pot of hyacinths which his very sweet friend Paulina had sent for me. I am not sure if it was on account of the Persian New Year or because I had mentioned that it was Peter and my anniversary. Whichever reason it is, it is so kind and thoughtful of her, but then she was always a lovely lady. Paulina, if you read this, know that I am hugging you deep into my heart. Thank you my sweet.
By four thirty I was ready to call it a day. I stood at the sink washing the last odds and ends. As I glanced out the window a cardinal of brilliant red hue hopped onto a branch by the fence. He turned and looked me straight in the face. It is said that the dead sometimes visit you in the form of a cardinal. I knew it was Peter.
‘’Happy anniversary, Stella,’’ he seemed to say.
‘’Happy anniversary, my darling Peter,’’ I replied. He gazed at me for a moment longer and then he flew away high up into the sky. I stood there for another moment looking at the empty branch, then peered up into the sky. The sky held no trace of him either.
Sadly, I turned away. I made myself a cup of tea and slowly climbed up the stairs. I sat on my old comfortable armchair, leaned back, and slowly sipped my tea. I wondered if any heavenly plans would have gone terribly awry if Peter could have been allowed to live longer.
The sun is setting. Another day has gone by.