With the help of The Almighty tomorrow will mark the seventh sunrise since my life changed forever. It was last Monday.....late afternoon....after my first physical in some years that I learned that I was stricken with testicular cancer which had metastasized to my abdomen.
My wonderful doctor, Dr. Peter Spitzer suggested a catscan be taken of my chest, abdomen and pelvis soon after my arrival. I returned to my office and awaited the outcome.
Lisa called me at 5:30 from home and told me that Peter had been trying me unsuccessfully and wanted to speak with both of us in his office. As I ran from my office I frantically dialed Peter in the hopes of having him quell the fear that had by then engulfed me entirely and completely. As much as I tried to stay calm....I must admit I was terrified of what might be.
My fears were soon confirmed with Peter's diagnosis.
Lisa and I were too stunned by the mortar fire to cry....those tears would come later.....the paralyzing fear of the unknown having so quickly consumed and engulfed us.
What to do?!?!
Lisa rushed home in her brokenness to greet Danielle from school....Adam not yet home and I drove to my parents to tell my mother and father.
When my father opened the door my heart sank to an even lower level. We sat together at my parents kitchen table......my beloved and treasured parents....David and Judy Wachs....so privileged am I to be their son......I could not even speak.
But the words emerged...."I've got some bad news".......it went on from there. My beloved mother's eyes recoiled in sadness and disbelief. My beloved father....my teacher....my dearest friend....whose presence in my life has been like no other....my precious father collapsed to the floor in his anguish.
I was to take my father for his chemotherapy that week and now I would have to seek a similar lifeline.
The lives of my beloved Lisa.....my soulmate for half of her life ....... my most precious gift from Hashem......my Ayshet Chayil.....the one who completes me....the maginficent mother of our children ......my most special son Adam ...of whom I could not be more proud.....and my most precious of blessings Danielle.....who is the light of my life .....were changed forever.
The calls to make......my beloved in laws ......Howard and Renee Suslow ........whom I love beyond words.....my siblings .....my Rabbaim.......my friends....... it all seemed so overwhelming...
How to make sense??.....how to stay calm??
Tuesday an ultra sound.....nervously waiting to be called in .......my dear friends Rabbis Couzens and Kopel arrive at the hospital to wait with Lisa, Adam and me in a most beautiful manifestation of kindness and concern.
The ultra sound confirmed Dr. Spitzer's prognosis.
With the help of my dear friend Yakov Couzens all of our mezzuzahs were checked on Wednesday and the necessary changes were addressed thank G-d.
Thursday Lisa and I took a 6 AM train to NYC and spent the entire day at Sloan Kettering arriving back home just shy of midnight.
Friday at the approach of Shabbos I immersed myself in the mikvah for what I knew would be the last for some time.
I was told by my new team of doctor's at Sloan Kettering not to walk in for Shabbos the 3 miles as I do every Shabbos. I was therefore overwhelmed with joy when 40 or 50 arrived at our home Erev Shabbos enabling our family to bring in Shabbos with the proper kavanah.
Lisa, Adam, Danielle and I enjoyed an intimate Shabbos dinner with some laughter and some tears.
I was thrilled when a knock on the door produced 5 of my dearest friends in from the rain. At first I thought my eyes had deceived me as Rabbis Adlerstein, Greenspan, Schwartz, Nosenchuk and Weiss stood before us. It was most comforting to share D'vrei Torahs and Shabbos niggunim with them. Their visit gave me a great chisuk.
Shabbos day was most special at home. Many more would visit.
And now I prepare ...please G-d for my seventh sunrise.
I have been up to witness the last six since my life began anew....
I am looking forward please G-d to witnessing many more.
Tomorrow Lisa, Adam, Danielle and I will take a train early to New York.
My surgery is called for noon. I am so looking forward to seeing Dr. Joel Sheinfeld tomorrow.
This is my next step. On this and only this I focus my mind and attention.
To close this first "posting".....made possible by my sister in law Wendy Rudofker......who I simply love beyond words....
I close with these final thoughts tonight.
This thunderbolt from heaven.....this greatest test of my life......has come from Hashem in his love for me.
Of this I am certain. Hashem expects me to daven and fight with every fiber of being to "choose life".
I intend to do just that....I am hopeful that The Ribbono Sh'Olam....the Master of the Unverse.....will be pleased with my effort.
Goodnight my dear family, Rabbaim and friends.
B'simcha!!
michael
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Dear Michael, your faith, strength and love is astounding and inspiring. What a wonderful family you have. We are thinking of you and are with you in faith, spirit and friendship every step of the way. Love, Laurie & Marc
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteReading your post brought me great joy and sadness all at once. I am humbled by your strength. You are truly an inspiration to all that know you. Your love of life, torah and Hashem is contagious and touches everyone in your path. I will daven fiercely for you, lisa, adam and danielle. My love and thoughts are with you, b'simcha, Lori A
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiration you are for all of us. You have been for a long time and we are confident you be will for a very long time too! Even in moments like this, you are the one who provides the guidance on how to approach life. This is remarkable... You are a remarkable individual with a wonderful family and a very well cultivated group of dear friends and fans, who we pride and rejoice to be part of. Tomorrow and the many days to come, we will stand strong with you and for you and your family, who we love so much. With all our hearts, our minds and our mights, each one of us will focus our prayers, our thoughts and our love towards your full and fast recovery. May Hashem listen and respond to our hopes. We will follow along with you through this journey. Thanks for making us part of it.
Ofelia, Chuck, Salomon, Alex, Benjamin and little Michael
Dear Michael and Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThe joint emotions of worry and awe are overwhelming as I read what Michael has written. Michael is truly a man of strength, and an inspiration to all who know and love him. May HaShem grant him a complete and speedy refuah.
With love, Janis Fine
Go get 'em Mikey! We are with you wholeheartedly and praying for a great outcome. May your doctors be guided with wisdom and precision.
ReplyDeleteWe love you and Lisa and Adam and Danielly!
Juliet
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteYou have always inspired us with your stories. In the past, you looked for mountains to climb, pushing yourself, meeting the challenge. Well it looks like Hashem has found you a new mountain to climb, a new challenge. We have no doubt that you will conquer this challenge as you have done before. However, you are not alone. Always know, we are all following you up this hill. If you get tired, we will push you, if you can't walk anymore we will carry you. Because we will never give up on the Little Fella. You stand tall in our lives.
Love, Andrea, Richie, Max, Gracie and Charlie
Michael,
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are an inspiration and a source of strength to all who know you. You teach by example how to lead an exemplary life, and we can only hope to follow your lead. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Judy, Yossie, Samantha and Jessica
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteUpon hearing the news this week I can understand your shellshock. You continue to amaze me in what a special person you are. I will never under why Hashem deals us the hurdles in life thatwe get. However, I know that Mikey W. will always handle all that you receive. The way you are attacking this in your typical positive style is truly an inspiration for all of us. I know you will prevail througout this tough ordeal. You have done so much for so many of us. Just know that tomorrow, there will be so many prayers to Hashem, that all the buildings in NYC could not hold them. You are a great person and friend. Just know that you will be filled with prayers and love tomorrow and throughout this chapter of your life.
Love you Bro.
Rob
Michael, God Bless you my friend. No one has more determination and inner strength than you. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteYour Friend and colleague behind enemy lines,
Steve
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteI knew you would take the attitude of a warrior and fight...and what a team you have on your side. Your loving family, friends, and all those you have touched in your life. Erik and I are praying and thinking of you every moment. We love you and your family so very much. We are with you always and here to help in any way we can. With much love and hope for a very bright tomorrow. xoxo Wendy B.
mmm
ReplyDeleteMichael and Family:
ReplyDeleteThis is Sahlman checking in from NYC. Let me know where I can visit you at sloanK. As you know I battled a few things so maybe I can give you a greatest highlights reel and cut to the chase.......Basically this will be just one more great adventure in the long journey. Don't sweat it. Love. Peter
Michael:
ReplyDeleteThe organized tehillim of our community's women are storming "shamayim" as you read this. May your awareness of our "tefilot" and the love of your family and friends sustain you as you trek through this challenge. You are not alone.
Love,
Roz
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteSaddened, though not surprised, are we to see this site with your no less-than-ever inspirational words, thoughts, and emotions. B'simcha defines exactly WHO and WHAT you are and B'Ezrat Hashem you will continue to bring Simcha into the lives of all you love and love you for many, many years to come. You are one of the strongest people we have ever known, mentally, physically, and most important: spiritually. G-d willing, that strength will lead you on this "trek" with all the belief and positivity you have always possesed. We will all be here, alongside you, in our hearts and prayers.
If a man such as yourself can build a bridge, surely with G-d by your side you will be able to walk this road.
And we will all walk beside you.......
With all our love and Bracha for a Refuah Sheleimah,
Debbi and Marc
Rebecca, Rachel, Sara, Jacob and Isaac (you know that last one comes with a loud "woo-hoo" and a high chest bump to Wachsie!)
L'CHAIM!!! AD MEAH V'ESRIM!!!!!
(the "mmm" above was just a test to see if our message would post.....after writing one earlier and losing it, we decided to do a test-run....sorry!)
Dear Uncle Mikey,
ReplyDeleteThis was so beautiful and true to your form. Even in times of darkness you never cease striving for light, and these thoughts of yours illuminate that notion so beautifully. For this I truly admire you and am in awe of you. The love that has poured in from so many people upon hearing this news speaks volumes about the blessing that you are to all of our lives. May Hashem watch over you in this time of struggle, and may you experience a refu'ah sh'lemah.
Know that I love you very much, and that you are in my prayers.... along with countless others'.
B'Hatzlachah,
Gabi
Michael, I’m sitting here and thinking of you. The truth is, I’d really love to come over and make a l’chayim, give you a good hug and share some Torah. And I have no doubt you’d love it as well. But probably for the sake of everyone else – and the preservation of your strength for tomorrow – I opted to send you an email instead.
ReplyDeleteI’m having the l’chayim now. You’re a tremendous source of strength for the community and beyond. If you’re open to having guests in the city, I’d love to try to get up there. If you’re interested in any Torah learning while you’re in the city, I’d happily arrange as many phenomenal chevrusas as you would like.
I’ll be davening for you. We’re all trying to learn and grow from this challenge. You’re leading the charge. We’re piggy-backing.
G-d bless. Refuah Sheleimah!!!!
Your friend,
Shmuel.
May you be strong with the love of everyone in your life and the faith which keeps you going. We are all here with you through this journey. We are all sending love and prayers at all times :)
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed to have you, Aunt Lisa, Adam and the smell-ster in my life. You are amazing family, and may we celebrate together for years to come!
xoxox
Shmeeza
Uncle Michael,
ReplyDeleteAs you start the thus far most demanding chapter of your life, I cannot imagine a person more spiritually and physically capable to take on such a beast than you are. I know your strength and energy will carry you through these obstacles that none of us plan on facing in our lifetime. May your spirits and the thoughts of family and friends, all whom love you so much, carry you through this difficult challenge.
Love,
Eric
As I got off the plane on my way to California, I saw Lisa's email and immediately read your blog. I had an overwhelming sense of love, inspiration and tears all at once. To me, you live torah more than anyone I know - you truly embody all the wisdom and love that torah teaches and everyone who crosses your path always walks away feeling better than they did before. I only hope you know how much love is all around you and how deeply we all pray for your recovery. Of course, then a smile came to my face as I envision you asking how the "professor" is doing...
ReplyDeleteAll our love and prayers,
Sam, Amy, Devon and Zac
To all those who love Michael (aka tlf) and David (his esteemed father),
ReplyDeleteMy wonderful wife and daughters have organized that the ENTIRE Sefer Tehillim (Book of Psalms) be said EVERY day in merit for a complete healing for Michael and David.
Out of the 150 chapters of Tehillim, there are still 11 that are available.
The chapters can be said in Hebrew or English and must be said before sunset each day for a 3 month period.
Their Hebrew names are:
Mi'chael ben Yehudis Miriam
and
Dovid ben Gittel
If you are able to help with this beautiful mitzvah please contact Nili Couzens asap via email at ncouzens@aish.com or call 610-660-9878.
May our Father in Heaven hear our tefillos and bring a refuah shalaimah bim'hara b'yamanu!
With love,
RYC (TBF)
Dearest Michael,
ReplyDeleteYou rock!
Raymond and I along with Gabe, Ilana and Eli plus all of the lives of our friends whom you have touched already since the engagement shabbat in January are praying for you too.
Your d'var torah about ahava just before shabbat and revealing hashem's hiddeness elevated our shabbat knowing you have clarity were striving to be even closer to hashem.
We are here in NYC ready for anything you and Lisa and the whole family need. May hashem hear your tefilot as well as all those you inspire. These tefila are now storming the gates of heaven for michael ben yehudit dovid ben gittel and while we are at it your mom Yehudit bat fraidel, her sister gittel bat fraidel and your uncle Mordechai ben Raizel too!!!
With much love!
dearest friend, michael,
ReplyDeletethis is your soul sister writing from israel as i put my face and tears into the wailing wall this last shabbas to pray for your healing...
others here in jerusalem are praying as well, we are a team, a chevarem, a community and a family so part of you and your family.
our heart is your heart, our soul is your soul and our pain is your pain....and with our strength and hope for your healing and you, so strong and so humble, with your tikva and emmuna in hashem, you will conquer this and healing, health and well being will follow.
we are with you every step of the way..
much love and see you all soon in the holy land.
tova, dara and daniella
My dear Michael, Lisa, Adam & Danielle,
ReplyDeleteAs I sit here, I know that you are off to NY for your surgery at Noon! It is so comforting that you are all together and you should know that we are all with you! Our prayers, our constant thoughts and wishes, and our love go with you. How appropriate and wondrous are the many visitors, calls and e-mails that you have already received and will continue to share with those who love you. May our combined energies add to your own emuna, bitachon and pure optimism that this, like everything else you attack, will be overcome and that you will lift us all to a greater level of chessed and appreciation that we are all connected -- all of us -- as one soul, a piece of Hashem! Hatzlacha raba and refuah shelaima! Love, Naphtali, Hanna, Chaim & Malky
Dear Michael
ReplyDeleteDude, if anyone has the courage and will to conquer this – it is you! I never met anyone with such a positive attitude on life – you inspire all of us to think bigger and love everyone around us. This world needs people like you!
Pete Jr. and I look forward to another dinner at Rosalie’s with you, your father and your son. We are here for you my friend and our prayers are with you. We are waiting to hear from you!
Pete G
Dear Michael, Lisa, Adam, and Danielle,
ReplyDeleteMoshe and I are new friends but no less passionate in our prayers for your complete recovery and your family's return to shalom bais. These tests are never welcome, but always serve as a revelation of the depth of love and the strength of character that lies untapped but accessible for just these times. Moshe and I know with certainty that Michael will triumph over this disease and will be an even brighter light and a greater inspiration than he has already been in this community and wherever he travels. Love, Ariella and Moish Sternberg
Michael,this is from Avi in Monsey:
ReplyDeleteWith G-Ds help, may he have a strong and complete Refuah. Please give my wishes of love to Michael Ben Yehudas Miriam and as well to Lisa and the kids. Tell them we will be praying each and every day, three times a day for his complete recovery that he may continue for many years to come, be the wonderful man he is and to do the wonderful Mitzvos that defines his life.
Michael: Our tefillos are with you...we are there in heart and prayers for you...you should make a complete refuah, b'ezras Hashem...all of our Tsedakah, learning and chesed is done in the merit of your recovery. Wendy wanted me to post the story of my brother: he was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was around 44. It had moved to make a large, carrot shaped tumor on his diaphragm. (They found the testicular cancer during a scan for something unrelated..that was a blessing). They removed the testicle and the tumor on the diaphragm. He had intensive chemo in one shot with then called Buliomycin and Sysplatin. He has been totally clean of any cancer and went on to father 2 children after the surgery. He is in perfect health, thank Gd. So there is a success story and it will be yours also, Gd willing. In our prayers!! Much love.....the Lyons
ReplyDeleteDearest Michael,
ReplyDeleteYOU are such a blessing. I count you as one of mine as I fall asleep at night. You have been such a powerful influence on my family over the years, and I am forever grateful.
I couldn't have said it better than you Richie "We are ALL behind you as you ascend this mountain, if you get tired we will push you, and if you fall we will carry you.."
And when we all get to the top we will sing loudly to Hashem of our gratefulness. Thank you Michael, for your beautiful spirit.
Danielle, Mark, Jacob, Dayna and Ava
Michael, You are so loved by so many that all of our hopes and prayers will launch you thru this bad chapter of your book of life.
ReplyDeleteHug and much love,
Rima and Sam
Michael Baby, you are an intensely bright light...there's no chance of that dimming. We are sending you, Lisa, Adam & Danielle such unbelievable love and good energy -- I'm sure you're feeling it along with all the magnificent energy being radiated by all your gorgeous friends and family.
ReplyDeleteLove+xoxo
The Cozen-Resnik Family
Dear Michael (and family) You guys are amazing! Stay strong and positive. B"H all will be well and you will have a refuah shleimah. We're all davening for you and hope to hear good news about your surgery. We look forward to sharing many, many smachot with you and your wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteWith much love, hope and prayers-Ken, Ruth & kids
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI am stunned speechless both by this revelation and the holiness and love that flows out of each word, phrase and expression. These are powerful words from a powerful man.
What an immense honor to know you and be part of a global team that looks to you for inspiration.
Refuah Shelaima
Lee Jay Lowenstein
dear Michael and Lisa.
ReplyDeletejust want to let you know that we are thinking and praying for you.we wish you Refua Shelema.
love Paul and aviva.
Dear Michael...sweet guy and powerhouse of holy energy and emunah.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw that you ended your message with B"Simcha, I once again felt the inspiration that you imparted on me during my visits to Balla and during our experiences in Uman.
Your numerous mitzvot will stand by you and protect you always.
Continue to be strong for Lisa, Adam, Danielle, your parents and all of Klal Yisrael.
We all stand together with you in this battle and will celebrate together at our victory.
With our heartfelt tefilot: Stan, Sara, Nachman & Sharyn, Chaya & Shmuel, Faige and Gershi.
Dear Uncle Zaide,
ReplyDeleteWe love you and want you to know that we are all thinking about you.
The times you spend with us swimming, go- carting, barbqueing,or in Shul are very special to us.
Get well very soon because you rock the house.
Nachi,Big Moe and Avrumy
Michael,
ReplyDeletePlease be well soon... we have many more projects to build together.
Many more canyons await our bridge building skills.
I cannot do this without you... because without you I am just a candle in the wind.
My love and prayers are with you Lisa, Adam, and Danielle.
Love
Dominick Madia
Hey Mikey and Lisa, Adam and Danielle,
ReplyDeleteWe are beginning to exhale with the blessed news of your successful surgery. We are holding you all in light and love and prayer. On to another sunrise!
We love you so much,
Juliet (and Phil, Michal, Aleeza and Gabs)
Dearest Michael and Lisa and family,
ReplyDeletePlease know that we in Milwaukee still hold you so so so dear in our hearts, and we will be davening everyday for your complete and even better than ever recovery!!! I will join this tehillim group that Nili is organizing, and I have seen some amazing things with that! anyway, wow, just be you, you really are such an amazing guy with the most amazing family and support system, and I know you have a very high place in Hashems view!YOU HAVE MAJOR MITVAH POINTS!!! You are truly awesome!!
with love and prayers Denise, Mike and all the rest of us! xoxoxox
day 1........still praying here in jerusalem, a bit closer to the malachem, close to ha kodesh barach hu......climbing with you on this mountain....
ReplyDeletestay well,stay strong, lisa danielle and adam..
always, tova and mispacha
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that yesterday was a day spent in saying the prayers that I've spent my life saying when asking for a special favor and to let you know that you are surrounded by people that truly care.
Concentrate on getting well and we will all work together to keep things here at the office on the right track.
Kathy
Michael (Brother Bear)
ReplyDeleteI know you will fight this and win, because you simply bring too much joy into all of us that are honored to call you friend. You are the one guy that can both make me laugh hysterically and then cry, all in the matter of a few minutes. You have so much left to do on this planet. Speedy recovery.
Love, Sam, Amy, Devon and Zac Kratchman
Michael and Lisa and family.
ReplyDeleteWe send you best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. You were so kind to me during my recent tough times. Thank you! I hope and pray that this difficult time will be brief and easy. Get well soon!
Dana Saewitz and family
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteYour clarity is overwhelming! Be well and continue to be strong. We pray for you, Lisa, Adam and Danielle and love you all very much. Liz, Billy, Erika, Michael and Rebecca
Sending love and prayers of comfort to you, Mikey, and to Lisa, Adam, and Danielle.
ReplyDeleteThree important Hebrew words come to mind at this time:
Chazak, Chazak, Venetchazek!
Be strong, be strong, and may you gather even more strength!
Rd. #1 is over and the second is about to begin. May Hashem deliver you to a complete and speedy recovery.
Love you. brother phil
michael,
ReplyDeleteit's actually nili here, writing on Yakov's account
a short dvar Torah for you -
A nisayon is a test, which this surely is. But the word "nisayon" comes from the root "nais" which means a miracle or a banner.
Because when we go through a test, not only do we learn the depth of strength, faith and passion churning deep within us, but we also hold that strength up as a banner for everyone else to see and to be inspired by it.
And whether those people are in Merion, Milwaukee or Jerusalem, or online around the world or in the waiting room at the hospital, you are truly, truly inspiring all of us.
You are teaching us how to be a Yid, how to not just endure but truly overcome a nisayon. You are teaching us how to be great.
I'll never forget when you took Moishe out for Ritas and he came home and the main thing about it that blew him away - besides the front seat (!)of the Hummer(!!), besides the surprise Ritas - was how you treated the teenage clerk. How you called him by his name, how you made him feel important - because in your eyes of course, he is important! to most pple, he is all but invisible. to you, he is VIP.
i wish, just for 1 day, for 1 hour, i could see the world the way you see it.
i should make up a button, WWMD.
when i grow up, i want to be michael wachs.
may Hashem give you an easy quick refuah shlaymah, we need you in top form! may we share simchas for 120 years.
b'simchah
nili, yakov and the couzens clan
ps the tehillim is past full, we are working on a second completion of the book now. in the true michael wachs fashion, the list of pple davening for you is a rainbow coalition.
if i were moshiach, i would saddle up the donkey.
please everyone, email to be a part of it - ncouzens@aish.com
may we share more good news soon!
Dearest Michael,
ReplyDeleteI was shocked and deeply upset to find out the news about your health. I was most upset that I missed the opportunity to come and see you on Shabbos and be there for you in this difficult time. We are davening for you and have faith in Hashem that he will grant you the strength to quickly recover and be able to continue your amazing work in all the wonderful things you do for our community and people.
Each day of sfirat haomer corresponds to one of the sfirot, the counting within the kabbalic system. Tonight is Chesed Shebe'Nezach - kindness within eternity, Chesed corresponds to Avraham Avinu and Nezach, eternity corresponds to Moshe Rabbeinu, who is the symbol of our eternal Torah. The two go together, as we are familiar with the concept of Toras Chesed - Torah of kindness. Michael, this is one of your unique attributes, not only are you a master of the wisdom of chesed, the true art of how to do chesed in the ideal way that makes the recipient feel like he is the provider, you are also a student of avraham avinu, spreading torah through your chesed and inspiring others around you to come close to the torah, which in itself is the ultimate chesed. May this midah of Chesed Shebenetzach bring your zechuyos in front of hashem and quickly cure your body so your strength could be redirected back to your regular holy work.
Love,
Dov, Shani, Sarah & Mordechai
Michael,
ReplyDeleteYou are teaching us all what it means to be a "Kiddush Hashem" - from your Tallis and Tefillin on the train, to your role as magnificent father and husband, to your positive outlook and words to the surgical team as you entered the OR. So many times have I heard you utter the words "Proud Jew" and this is what you exemplify. Looking forward to visiting you soon. Refuah Shlaima and as Phil said, Chazak, Chazak, Veneetchazaik!
Sherman and Susan
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteI am left feeling so overwhelmed on so many levels that it is hard for me to get beyond it, to find the words to express my feelings. But for the time being, I want to send our love to you and your beautiful family. Aaron is in Israel now, and I have told him about what has happened so that he can daven to Hashem in the holiest places for a refuah shelaima for both you and your father. What I can say is that you have an immense army behind you. We will help you in this fight, and if love is a measure of strength, we are a most powerful force.
With much love, Marcia, Larry, Aliza and Aaron
Dear Michael, What wonderfulnews. The operation was successful! I know you have the will and strenght to climb the next mountain. We're standing behind you and know you have the best Doctors and care. WE are always here for you, Lisa, Adam and Danielle. All our love, Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteDear Michael and Lisa,
ReplyDeleteHow surprised I was to hear this news from my husband, Evan on Erev Shabbas. I thought how I'd seen you both in the last weeks, in the community & at shul & everything seemed so normal.
Being in community together creates important connections. Even for those who there is not an apparent close connection, the fabric of our community is made up of individuals. The dynamic of flow and movement changes as each individual and family changes and grows. For now I hope the fabric and connections of those around you is strengthening.
Evan & I are thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
I don't have any well developed torah thoughts, but I will share one small piece. (And I'll just preface that I can never remeber the name of the exact rabbi who said such & such thing, but my memory for content is great, so you can rely that it was actually said)
One of the chassidishe rabbis (& I'm thinking it was the Lubavich R. Menachm Mendle, but it could have been the Sandzer Rav...)was careful never to call a hospital a "beit cholim" or "home of the sick" but to always call it a "beit refua" or "a home for healing."
May the place that you are in be a true "beit refua."
Ayala
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteI have never seen anyone approach this kind of a challenge with more focus and conviction! You can only succeed with such a positive attitude and we are routing for you!!!
With our best wishes,
Shelly, Margelle, and family
Dearest Michael, Lisa, Adam and Danielle,There are no words to adequately express how we feel towards you, how much we love you and how strongly we are all davening for you. Stay strong, stay focused, stay positive and may we all celebrate your refuah shelaima soon
ReplyDeleteBeth, Lenny, Daniella, Yaacov, Belle, Shosh and Eitan
Michael:
ReplyDeleteMay the coming days progress with continued successful milestones. You are an example to all of us in how to maintain "bitachon" during difficult and challenging times.
We may never know the reasons for why hardships fall upon us, but we do know that when we emerge from the dark tunnel we have a renewed appreciation for the light before us.
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as we look forward to hearing continued good news.
With Love,
Roz Lipsitt and "Shkevin" plus A.T.
Hello Michael:
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear the news about you from Dominick. I experienced similar shocking news two years ago and spent some time at MSKH. Because of MSKH I am clean of cancer today. I also have a dear friend who was saved by MSKH where cancer had spread to several critical organs and he is clean today. All I can say is you are being cared for by the best hands in the world. May god bless you, make you well and keep you safe.
Carl A. Lofberg
Michael;
ReplyDeleteYour words are so poignant. How blessed you are to have such a close relationship with your dad as is Adam in his relationship with you. Rare and beautiful.
In the days ahead may all of your blessings comfort you as you move forward toward strength and wellness.
With healing thoughts,
Roz, "Shkevin" and A.T.
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteWe want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May each day bring you strength and lead to a speedy recovery. Keep up your positive attitude!
Lynn an Lincoln Muchnick
Michael:
ReplyDeleteI am overwhelmed to hear of the additional challenge ahead. But have not fear. The prayers and tehillim continue to travel to their destination.
Know that I am sending you healing thoughts and beautiful visualizations of you enjoying wonderous warm, sun-filled summer days with your friends and family after returning home from NY.
Special brachos of "refuah shlema" from Kevin, Sharon & Aaron Tzvi.
Love,
Roz
Michael - You are a champion & you will beat this! If the will to live & faith are there, half the battle is won. Kathleen & I are in your corner & you are in our prayers. Hang in there, my friend, as we have many more Chopper deals to do!
ReplyDeleteDON ORLANDO
Dear Michael..I received an Email from Lisa today..I was shocked and saddened by the news..You are an amazing person with so many friends and a family that is beyond the best..We love you and Lisa , Adam and Danielle..you are strong and you have the love of so many..you will beat this.. you are in our thoughts and prayers..I only wish we could be closer to you in NY and Phila..you are always close to our heart and in our thoughts..Refuah Shlema...YOU Will BEAT THIS and we look forward to seeing you when we come east this fall..love you Michael...xxooxxoo love Iris, Alan, Ari and Talia
ReplyDeleteMichael,
ReplyDeleteYour words are truly beautiful, enlightening, and inspirational. My 8 friends and I are currently studying for the semester in Israel, and we are all from the main line. We recently found out about your fight and have been reading your daily blogs ever since. They are truly touching. We will be praying for you here in Israel daily, in the most holy place on earth. Hashem will give you the strength to keep fighting, there is no doubt.
With Love,
John and Eli