Reflections

I wanted to reflect on something very important to me and my family. A year ago today my family lost someone very special. My grandfather, Sheldon Schatz, passed away one year ago. It's hard to believe that the time has gone by so fast. I know that this has been very hard for my mom more than anyone else. She was incredibly close to her dad and misses him terribly. My grandmother has been so brave over the last year, continuing on with her life and not letting his death overtake her. I think of my grandpa often. Every time something new and exciting happens in my life, it breaks my heart that I can't call him and tell him about it.

Of course, I can continue to dwell on all of the things that he's missing now that he's gone, but I'd much rather focus on all of the things that he was here for. He was my lively grandpa for 27 years. He was there when I graduated from UT and he was next to me when I married Sam. He was a strong source of encouragement in everything that I did. He still continues to be a strong source of encouragement. I know that he was so proud of me and wanted to be in NY when I graduated from Columbia and when my cousin David graduated from Penn Medical School, but his presence was there. I know that he's continuing to watch over me and my family.

Mom, I know that today is going to be very difficult for you. I know that the loss of grandpa seems to be more compounded as time goes by. Know that I am thinking of you and am here for you as a shoulder to cry on. We all miss him.

Every time I see a penny on the ground I think of my grandpa. He always stopped to pick up any loose change on the ground. For some reason that tradition has continued on with my mom and me. It's a nice way to remember him.