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| Rena and David in Their Early Years Together |
In the weeks before her death, Rena was cared for at home by her husband David Moyers and her mother Vi Glickstein, with the wonderful assistance of Hospice staff and other caring helpers.
We knew we were in our final weeks with her, and I wrote the following that I sent to David and Vi to share with her:
MEMORIES OF RENA AND DAVID'S WEDDINGTo My Loving Daughter Rena, Our Adult Child in Hospice at HomeDear Rena:
THANKS for all the times we’ve had together. The Good times and the Bad, the Happy times and the Sad, the Not So Good and the Not So Sad, the Very Happy and, as in the current year, with you in Hospice care, the Very Sad.
By human measure, a half century is a long time. Not too long ago, it was average for life expectancy. Now, we’re supposed to live two-thirds, or three-quarters, or even four-fifths of a century.
But, as they say, it is not the years in your life, but the life in your years. The people you’ve loved and the lives you’ve enriched, and vice-versa. From the very beginning, you’ve been a blessing for all who have had the pleasure of loving and living and working with you, and a role model for a life well-lived.
Rena and David were married at Dandridge, TN, on April 28, 2000, outdoors on the shore of a TVA lake. It was a gorgeous and memorable event. Guests included David's parents, Rita and Sam Moyers, from Jefferson City, TN, where David grew up. Sam worked as a supervisor who spent much of his life deep in a zinc mine.
Our good friend, Rev. David Risseeuw (husband of Vi's long-time friend Margie), performed the beautiful service. The Flower Girls, Lisa's children Samantha, Michaela, and Alexia, were a nearly-uncontrollable riot and they "stole the show" with their Winnie the Pooh and Tigger flower baskets.
SOME SPECIAL DRAMA AFTER THE WEDDING
A few days after the wedding, on May 2, 2000, Vi and I took a hike with Jerry, Lisa, and their children, at Laurel Falls in Smoky Mountain National Park. It was a wonderful adventure until fate intervened and Vi encountered some slippery rocks. The text in the following photos tell the sad story. OY!
I'll forever remember Vi's heroic attitude after her fall and throughout the weeks that followed.
After her ankle was "set" in the Tennessee hospital the nurse (who was crusty, in a nice way) gave us some blankets and told Vi how to do what she called a "Horse Bath" (whore's bath).
We rented a wheelchair and actually continued our planned sightseeing itinerary in Gatlinburg, TN, and Ashville, NC. After that, we returned to Sevierville, TN, and visited with David's parents in Jefferson City, TN.
It was not until six days later, after we returned home, that we found out that the bone needed to be reset and a metal plate added. That operation was performed on May 11.
So, in addition to the wonderful memories of Rena and David's wedding, Vi now carries around a far more solid memory, namely a metal plate and five screws in her right leg.
Ira Glickstein
NOTE: This is the second of our virtual "Sitting Shiva", the traditional Jewish custom of relatives and friends devoting seven days to specially remembering the deceased.
September 11, 2016 - Rena passed away1) September 12, 2016 - Rest In Peace Rena Moyers, Our Adult Child Who Passed Before We Did
2) September 13, 2016 - Mr.and Mrs. David and Rena Moyers - Their Wedding (and Drama Afterwards)
3) September 14, 2016 - Remembering Rena - Growing Up in Rural Upstate New York
4) September 15, 2016 - Remembering Rena - Education and Professional Life - Tale of Three Shirts
5) September 16, 2016 - Mourner's Kaddish for Rena Moyers
6) September 17, 2016 - Remembering Auntie Rena - Five Nieces and Nephews
7) September 18, 2016 - Remembering Rena - We Will Remember You FOREVER
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