Sharon Serot Shore writes:
I love to read the classmate news section of the Web site. Though I keep in touch with very few classmates, we shared formative experiences of our youth and so are bound together in a unique way. Its sad to read the " In Memoriam" section and see the pictures and names of those no longer with us.
I was very close with Michael Baum, who died of leukemia in 1979. He was an amazing person. Bigger then life, 6' 3" tall, with a veracious appetite for knowledge and a razor sharp wit. I was with him at Children's Hospital when he died, due to complications of a bone marrow transplant. His death changed the course of my life.
I also feel a sense of gratitude towards Michael, because I met my husband through him. After Michael's death I went to study in a seminary in Jerusalem. My husband, an American, had been sent as a foreign expert, to do Robotics in the north of Israel. He was also a childhood friend of Michael's and came to my apartment to hear about his last few months. Twelve weeks later, we were engaged. We have been married for 29 years. In retrospect, it was a pretty good move :0) We are left wing, Orthodox Jews and supporters of the State of Israel. We spend a lot of time there. I have a masters in Education. This isn't the best time in my life. In fact I'm pretty much of a mess. My Mom is in hospice, and I am just trying to put one foot in front of the other.
We have 3 amazing, beautiful children. My youngest, Joshua is graduating from Lower Merion High School in June. It's wild to walk through those halls again. They are knocking down Lower Merion and putting up a new one. Arnold field is now a paved over! They paved paradise and put up a parking lot...,
My daughter Miriam (26) is an artist, married to an investment software wizard, and a Gher (convert to Judaism). His whole family converted when he was 7 years old. They met in their Orthodox Jewish Day school in Wynnewood. Jesse (20) attends Yeshiva University in NYC. He is also a musician. He thinks he wants to be a family therapist when he grows up. They both spent their gap year, between high school and college in Israel, at a seminary. Josh, (18) our 6' 2" gentle giant, is about to leave for his year in Israel in August. Then we will be empty nesters. Its a double wammy for me since my Mom is dying. Our kids are amazing, not because they go to the right schools, and get the right degrees, but because they are strong, compassionate, passionate people. Their steadfast dedication to their Grandmother is a continual source of comfort and nachas (to feel honored) to me. This is what "wealth" is truly about.
I teach part time and do volunteer work . I need a full time job. I have too much time on my hands and it isn't pretty. I also need to make money to pay for all of these insanely expensive educational experiences.
Well, that's my attempt at giving a snapshot of my life. I sincerely wish you health and happiness.
With warm regards,
Sharon Serot Shore