Adina Shoulson
Midge was such an important part of my childhood in West Orange. I can't remember how old I was when the Kras moved across the street, but only Abby was born, I must have been 10 or so. My mom had recently started working and wasn't always home when I got home from school. I would often go visit with Midge. She was kind of a big sister to me--so easy to talk to and so supportive no matter what the topic. I have fond memories of sitting in her kitchen or in the den talking about friends and life. I remember General Hospital and cooking her special pasta with sauce and cheese. Whatever we did, I felt grown up and a deep sense of belonging.
When Yoni and Donny were born, I enjoyed being a big sister and babysitter. I recall, fondly, being thrown up on numerous times after jiggling them around a bit too much soon after a feeding. But still, Midge made me feel special and capable, like a friend and a family member.
Other memories crowd my head as I write this--greeting Midge as I picked up Abby in our matching winter coats to catch the bus to school, visiting in their sukkah, singing zemirot, talking about new interests. As my children were born, I would bring them over to meet Midge when I visited West Orange and she would ooh and ahh over them. As my children grew, visiting Midge and Murray became a much anticipated activity.
Of the many wonderful midot that Midge modeled, the one that most impressed me and that I hope to emulate was her love and devotion to her parents. Their visits were such exciting events and as they grew older Midge never wavered in her patience and care for them.
Midge and I share a birthday, May 25th. She always said I was a great Sweet Sixteen present. On my next birthday and the many that follow iy"h, I will not only mark a year of my life, but celebrate Midge's life and her contributions.
Midge was such an important part of my childhood in West Orange. I can't remember how old I was when the Kras moved across the street, but only Abby was born, I must have been 10 or so. My mom had recently started working and wasn't always home when I got home from school. I would often go visit with Midge. She was kind of a big sister to me--so easy to talk to and so supportive no matter what the topic. I have fond memories of sitting in her kitchen or in the den talking about friends and life. I remember General Hospital and cooking her special pasta with sauce and cheese. Whatever we did, I felt grown up and a deep sense of belonging.
When Yoni and Donny were born, I enjoyed being a big sister and babysitter. I recall, fondly, being thrown up on numerous times after jiggling them around a bit too much soon after a feeding. But still, Midge made me feel special and capable, like a friend and a family member.
Other memories crowd my head as I write this--greeting Midge as I picked up Abby in our matching winter coats to catch the bus to school, visiting in their sukkah, singing zemirot, talking about new interests. As my children were born, I would bring them over to meet Midge when I visited West Orange and she would ooh and ahh over them. As my children grew, visiting Midge and Murray became a much anticipated activity.
Of the many wonderful midot that Midge modeled, the one that most impressed me and that I hope to emulate was her love and devotion to her parents. Their visits were such exciting events and as they grew older Midge never wavered in her patience and care for them.
Midge and I share a birthday, May 25th. She always said I was a great Sweet Sixteen present. On my next birthday and the many that follow iy"h, I will not only mark a year of my life, but celebrate Midge's life and her contributions.