Helen Kaplan

The Depression, World War II, The Cold War, Vietnam, and me as a teenager. These were just some of the events that occurred during my mother’s lifetime. And, if she were here, she would not discount any of these events as being anything less than horrific, or at the very least, extremely trying.

The end of World War II, marrying her true love of sixty six plus years, the birth of Israel as a nation, and her three grandchildren. My mom, Helen Kaplan, was able to witness, and live these glorious times too. And with equal aplomb and verve, she would convey to us the marvels and joy of these events as well.

My mom could talk.

She could express herself; she may not have been eloquent or academic, but she was able to talk to people and reach out to them, and gets them to open up. And this is even more amazing because she was profoundly hard of hearing since the age of nineteen.

So, when I hear people talk about grit, as if it was something new, or as another method of self help that we need to infuse into our lives, I think of my mother-my five foot eighty pound-give or take a few pounds and inches through the years- mother, who simply talked, expressed as best she could, and I really do believe that that ability is true grit.

The tenacious will to power through, to never give up until you have mastered is fine-but, the ability to preserver by feeling, talking, and expressing-to me that’s the kernel-that’s the stuff. And, that’s what my mom gave to me-not through DNA, or bloodline, but with time and love-because that’s what she always had plenty of for me.

I could never truly feel like I honored my mother today without telling you all every detail, every precious nugget of her life-you all know I could-but for brevity sake I’ll spare you.

So, if I could just share one of the many intangible things my mother was, and gave to me, with you, it is to remember to feel and talk.

I miss my mom everyday, and I thank you for the opportunity to express my feelings and talk about her today. You all should go home and do the same.

Mona Mensing

May 9, 2016

Arrangements under the direction of Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center, Sun City, AZ.