HAPPY BIRTHDAY

  On August 23 Sarah Yakovlevna Vainberg was 95 years old. On this occasion there was an unusual revelry in her house. 95 years is not a joke! Congratulations, flowers, presents from neighbors and friends have been causing joy to Sarah Yakovlevna all the day. And so we, Hesed workers ("Home Care" service and "Mazal Tov" program) came to wish many happy returns of the day to her and to express our admiration.
  The hero of the occasion was happy. Every word said had so much attention, care, and tenderness. But most of all she was moved and delighted with congratulations of children from "Mazal Tov" program. The children recited poems, hugged and kissed her, and at the end of the celebration they gave her their drawings. Sarah Yakovlevna was deeply touched and, of course, shed tears. The children became sad, but she explained that she cried of happiness. Then the mistress of the house called everybody to taste refreshments. Over tea she told children about her long, uneasy, but still wonderful life. She recollected about entering Hesed Polina with a special warmth.
  She became a client of Hesed long ago, but it was only after her acquaintance with Tanya Cherniyenko that the community life interested her. The "Home Care" workers who looked after Sarah Vainberg before Tanya spoke well of her, but did not notice her wishing to take part in the community affairs. Having come to her for the first time Tanya saw a nice, kind, friendly granny who used to spend too much time at home. She could not bring herself to call Sarah Vainberg "granny". Elderly lady carrying her head high with a keen look, wonderful hair, and expressive mimicry seemed not to be made for isolated life. Her new helper decided to change her everyday life, and to show what a rich life she could lead if she wanted to.
  Among other things Tanya told Sarah Yakovlevna about "Warm Homes", birthdays, "Nehama" ensemble, "Open Home" on Sundays, and all other events Hesed organizes for elderly people. First the woman simply listened, then she began to ask questions, and in a month she asked gingerly if she could be taken to Hesed. Since then Sarah Yakovlevna used to visit all the meetings in the "Open Home". But she is becoming of age. Every step is getting harder. Now she almost do not go out, though it does not prevent her from knowing all Hesed news. Every member of the community is dear to her, she cares about them and can find a good word for everybody.
  We felt so nice and cozy near Sarah Vainberg, but it was time to say good-bye. The old lady hugged the children and wished them to grew up healthy, smart, and kind. The children left. The guests returned to the table, and Sarah Yakovlevna kept repeating: "You see, how Hesed loves and respects me!"

Natalya Ilyina
Valentina Sokolova