The Enchanted Self — by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

MY PRESENT TO YOU: A SHABBOS MIRACLE

I love this story that was passed along to me via my daughter. Everyone, even those really in touch with their Enchanted Selves (that is their capacity to have positive states of being again and again, unique to themselves) is in need of some miracle stories and uplifting remarks. We all need to be reminded that life is a beautiful gift and enjoying the present moment is really a 'present' for each of us. So here is my little present to you. I hope you are uplifted by the story and it reminds you to watch out for the miracles and great opportunities that are 'present' in your life!

My daughter passed along the following true story-a wonderful example of the great Divine's ability to give us gifts, both great and small.

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A few years ago a Rabbi's wife and their son had to go to Germany. The little boy was ill and the only appropriate treatment for his very unusual illness was to be found in a hospital in Germany. Mrs. Mandelson, being a survivor of the Holocaust, was not thrilled about going to Germany. However, it was the wisest decision, as her son's health came above all else.

Together mom and Yakov took the long, transatlantic, overnight flight, the bus ride to the hospital, and handled the complicated admitting process. Finally, fatigued, they settled into a hospital room for the son, which also contained a cot for Mother.

A couple of days passed relatively uneventfully except for some preliminary tests and consultations. Now it was Friday, several hours before Shabbos. At home in Borough Park, Ruth would have been busily preparing for Shabbos. That morning she would have gotten up early to bake her own fresh challah. She would have walked to the stores early to find the best vegetables and fruits. All afternoon she would have cooked and cleaned until the house smelled delicious and shone.

Now, two hours before Shabbos, she was alone in a strange land that held certain haunting memories for her. She and Yakov had little to look forward to on Shabbos except the small bundle of goodies that she had brought with them. Thankfully, she had a little challah left over from last week, a special bottle of grape juice her son loved, and some other treats to round out the otherwise bland kosher food ordered for them in the hospital. It was minimal, but would have to do.

Yakov was feeling somewhat down this Friday, himself. At age ten he was perfectly aware his health was not good. He was lonely, away from his friends, brothers and sisters, and also in a sterile hospital setting. As the late afternoon shadows crossed their room his mood was quickly deteriorating. He was becoming blue.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he said to his mommy, "I hate being here. We have nothing to look forward to. We're all alone. This will be the worst Shabbos."

Ruth tried to offset his blues by telling him, "No, we're never alone. God is always with us. We have each other. I have some goodies that we will have later on Shabbos. And I'll tell you stories. Don't worry, we'll have fun."

But her mood was also quickly declining as much as she tried to stay optimistic and buoyant. To top it off, as they were standing in the corridor, waiting for the elevator back to their room to shower and change for Shabbos, she suddenly remembered she had not taken her potassium in several days.

Perhaps that was part of why she was feeling off. Ruth really needed potassium and now had no way of getting it on Shabbos. Even a banana would be helpful but it was off-season for bananas. And she hadn't seen any bananas on the hospital trays since they arrived.

There was no time to go outside and shop. This was awful. They had only 40 minutes to Shabbos. These anxiety-provoking thoughts filled her brain as Yakov stood next to her. He looked so sad himself, kicking his little foot against the wall in a kind of random act of wasted motion as they waited for the elevator.

She wondered how in the world she could stay buoyant enough for both of them. They both noticed a family going by, a father, mother and three children all holding hands. That was the last straw. Yakov looked at the family, his eyes filled with tears. "I miss my daddy so much. I am miserable."

Ruth felt she was going to cry also. Admitting to herself she was miserable, she began to doubt whether it was worth coming to Germany for the treatment.

Yakov and Ruth seemed to wait a very long time by the elevator. Finally it arrived and the doors opened. No one else was in the elevator. Ruth was astonished to see a perfectly ripe, juicy, delicious-looking banana lying in the far left corner on the floor.

"Wow," she thought, "I guess I can have my potassium after all."

Ruth swooped down and picked up the banana. Then the marvel of the moment came together for her.

* * *

This is based on a true story. However, I took the liberty, after hearing the facts once, to augment and dramatize the story in my own fashion. I hope my story is in the spirit on the true small miracle that happened.

— © Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

In private practice since 1981, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, psychologist and originator of The Enchanted Self, has committed to bring the keys of enchantment to the world.

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