Our trip to see great grandma Anne

I was sad to see the effect that the stroke has had on your great grandmother, Anne, who we visited today at her special care home in Ranana.  I drove your parents, your aunt Rachel and you to visit her today.  She was asleep when we first arrived, so we went for lunch at the harbour at Hertzliah Pertuach.  This was your first view of the sea.  We returned to find great grandma Anne sitting in a wheelchair in a room with many other elderly people in various states of incapacity.

While it was gratifiying to find that she knew who we were, it is clear that the series of strokes that she has had in recent weeks has left her in a poor state.  She has only limited sight and movement, and is quite confused.  But she was very happy to see us all.

I first met Anne Kennard 31 years ago, when she was the formidable headmistress of Kerem House kindergarten in London's Hampstead Garden suburb.  She was a large, stern woman with a sharp tongue who many people actually feared, particularly parents whose children went to her school.  Both your father and Rachel went there, and I can tell you that I was quite scared of her.  She is now a completely differant person.

I'm so sorry to see her in such a helpless state.  I just hope that she is not suffering.  Clearly, her condition will now only marginally improve, if at all, but I hope that she can love her final days with dignity and derive happiness from her large and loving family.  Your presence brought a sparkle to her eyes.

After returning to Jerusalem, we went to a memorial service for Nahum at his schul in Ramot.  Susan introduced the proceedings, and your uncle Amichai, the eldest of Nahum's four sons gave a lovely tribute in his memory, and the rabbi gave a shiur.  It's so hard to believe that he has gone.


Granpda Jonathan
Jerusalem, Israel