A Legacy of Love:Sara Bank~Sept 25, 1908-March 12,2011

In Loving Memory of my Grandma Sara Bank

Before descending into this world, the soul is emanated from the mystery of the highest level. While in this world, she is completed and fulfilled by this lower world. Departing this world, she is filled with the fullness of all the worlds, the world above and the world below.”  The Essential Kabbalah

On Friday September 25, 1908 as the Kaufman family was preparing for Rosh Hashana which would begin at sundown, Clara, my Great Grandmother, at 7 months pregnant was scrubbing the floors and went into labor.  There was no time to get the Doctor so my Great Great Grandmother, Viniziana, delivered a miracle into the world. A little baby girl, her Grandaughter, my Grandma, Sara Bank (nee Kaufman.)  As the story goes, being premature my GG Grandma knew the baby needed to stay extra warm so she wrapped her in cotton batting, put her in a roasting pan and into the oven. On her way to get the Doctor she ran down the street screaming “Clara had her baby, Clara had her baby!” I’ve never tired of hearing that story.

What makes the beginning of her story so poignant is that my Grandma could not wait to begin her journey of life & love and therefore it’s fitting that she wanted to stay for as long as possible on this earth. For well over 102 years my Grandma graced us with a beautiful presence. I feel very fortunate and blessed to have a Grandma whose spirit wanted so much to be a part of living, loving, sharing and caring for so long. In my Grandma’s eyes I could do no wrong. In fact, in her eyes, I’m perfect in every way and walk on water! I can’t even imagine what life will be without hearing “OOOOOO Debbie, I love you so much!’

I could tell you stories about sleep overs, going to see the Christmas lights and the live sheep in the nativity scene then McDonalds. I could tell you about the little game we played every Passover when she would sneak me pieces of my favorite Pastel then yell at me to stop eating it or there wouldn’t be enough, yet she’d actually made a smaller 2nd one. I could tell you how only a few month’s ago we were having breakfast and she said “Debbie, you know what I need? I need a boyfriend. A younger man cause anyone my age is just too old.” Yes I could go on and on with wonderful stories but what they all come down to is LOVE. Pure, all-encompassing LOVE!

My Grandma taught us how to love so deeply that it transcends everything. Her  whole life was a love story. She taught us about the power of love. Not just any love but that unconditional love that we search for and is written about in sonnets. Of course she was human and bickered, held grudges, and there were some people she just plain didn’t like but lady that she was, she was always cordial; BUT when it came to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, well, we  walked on water. and we ALL were her favorites. Personally, I think this is how a Grandma is supposed to be. Grandma’s understand unconditional love when it comes to their Grandchildren and Grandchildren experience and learn this love from their Grandma’s. It is the grandest legacy anyone can leave. The legacy of love.

These last few years I loved watching Gram watch US at family gatherings. She would sit and look around at all of us talking and just beam with joy. This past month I went to see her every other day and honestly I wouldn’t give back one moment of that time. I will cherish the day after we were told she probably wouldn’t make it until morning and I arrived to find her sitting in a chair smiling. That very day she beat me at gin….twice! Those Doctors didn’t know my Grandma! 🙂

We got to ‘hang out’ and had some very special loving moments. Those moments allowed us many many kisses and time to tell each other I love you and that everything would be OK when she decided to leave. In the end, no regrets, nothing left unsaid, only LOVE.

The earlier quote from the Kabbalah said that the soul is emanated from the mystery of the highest level. That mystery is LOVE. Grandma lived that love and passed it on to US and to all who knew her. My Grandma left fulfilled, loved and complete. She departed this world filled with the fullness of all the worlds, the world above and the world below….the world of love.

In loving memory of my Grandma Sara. She is dancing with the angels and walking hand in hand with her beloved, my Grandpa. I love you Grandma!

©Debra Taitel 2011 All rights reserved

SpiritLightInsight.com

Get your GOAL On!

Lately I’ve felt a bit like a hamster on a wheel. The wheel keeps on spinning but it seemingly goes nowhere. All the meditation tools and clairvoyant abilities at my disposal and yet I still can’t help wondering what’s the purpose. My heart is full of joy & purpose when I teach a meditation class, lead a Weight Watchers meeting or do a reading and watch the power of healing at work. It is unbelievably fulfilling to help someone find or sell a home. After all home is where the heart is!

I get up each day looking forward to what will magically unfold throughout the day but something has been missing. I’ve been so busy doing for others and making a living that I’ve gotten somewhat lost in the process. Even though I meditate daily and focus on each task with enthusiasm there is always a mountain of work still to be done and that mountain weighs on me so once I finish a task I’m on to the next one. Believe me when I say I do a lot in a day but it bothers me when something isn’t finished. With no end in sight even the things I’m passionate about haven’t brought the joy I’m used to feeling. Sound familiar?

Today I connected with my answer! With all the love that I feel for my clients and students, all the coaching and “goal” speak I realized that my focus is on helping others and making a living BUT making a living is not making a life. I haven’t had a personal goal to work towards and look forward to!!! You certainly can’t reach a goal if you don’t have one!

It’s not that I don’t set goals but there are times when I get so caught up in daily circumstances that I forget to include FUN goals like vacations, massages or taking a class in something I’m interested in. In other words setting a goal to nurture my SPIRIT! Yes, every now and again I need a reminder…after all I’m human! 🙂 Perhaps this blog will not only be a reminder to myself but a reminder to you as well! Time to re-evaluate and set some goals. The best way to Get your Goal On is to put your Goal SMARTs in place!

S=SPECIFIC Make sure your goal is specific! The more specific the better! See it clearly, write it down, day-dream about it. Feel how you want to feel when you get it. Then let it go and let the universe bring it back to you!

M=MEASURABLE Put your goal out there so you really KNOW in no uncertain terms that you are achieving it! In other words something you can actually see, touch and/or feel as it relates to you personally. Be aware of the small changes that happen each day as you move forward toward your goal.

A=ATTAINABLE Create goals that are a stretch but within your reach! Also make sure the goal is within your power and control. For instance, if your goal is to win the lottery, that is not necessarily within your control.  Setting small goals along the way are a great way to measure your successes keeping you focused and moving toward your end goal.

R=REALISTIC Is your goal really YOURS? Make your goal something that is realistic and a good fit for your life and lifestyle. If you want to create BIG changes in your life you may want to set smaller goals that are achievable. Setting a goal to run a marathon (26.2 miles) IS realistic and attainable BUT if you’ve never run one mile it might be worth your while to set a goal of running one mile first! If your goal isn’t realistic you probably won’t continue to work toward it will you?

T=TIMELY As you decide your goals, set a time frame. This gives you something to work towards and keeps your goal in focus. If you don’t create a (realistic) time frame for it, it’s too vague and the ‘I’ll start tomorrow’ syndrome takes effect. A time frame also gives your day-to-day duties (and YOU) a purpose so you are living your life ON purpose.

So how about it? Get back to living your life on purpose! All it takes a a little “goal smarts”! Are you ready? Join me and LET’S GET IT ON!!! Your GOAL that is! What did you think I meant? 😉 ~Shine Your Light Debbie

©Debra Taitel 2009-2011 All rights reserved 

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Debra is a gifted clairvoyant reader, spiritual healer and intuitive coach providing insight and guidance to clients around the world. Based in Chicago, Debra also leads meditation workshops that help people awaken to their own truth and spiritual gifts. To schedule a session or for more information on readings and workshops please visit her website or send an email request to Debra@SpiritLightInsight.com .

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