A SAD BEGINNING

Friday, February 05, 2016
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Today, we begin a trip that we have been thinking about for years, It encompasses three very different dimensions, really like three trips in one. The first will involve escorting 47 high school students to Nantes, France, about 250 miles from Paris as part of a language exchange programme. The second will be an exploration of South Africa, and the trip concludes with a two-week stint serving as civilian volunteers with the Israeli army. Each will undoubtedly have its own challenges and its own rewards. Even we have a hard time believing that we are doing it!

The scheduling of this trip, however, could not have been more untimely . Our family has suffered the loss of a beautiful soul, the matriarch of the family, and our sister and sister-in-law, Betty Tombak of Buffalo, NY. Her sudden death has been a shock to us all, and we already miss her dearly. This was further compounded by another tragedy in the Lilien family, the tragic deaths of my Aunt Shoshana and cousin Hannah. These past few weeks have truly left us shattered, and we can only hope that they are all now at peace. 

We had made preparations to cancel this trip, but after consulting with clergy and relatives, we were urged not to do so, It was felt that our wonderful Betty would have wanted us to fulfill our responsibility to the students and to continue on with life. So, we will be taking this trip in her memory. We will mourn her loss deeply, and Betty will remain in our hearts, not just through the coming days, but always. 

 

Photos & Videos

Comments

Rita MCGill
2016-02-05

A very sad time for you but I think your sister would want you go ahead, you can't change the reality by staying home. This itinerary sounds most exciting and I'm looking forward to your blogs. Big hugs to you both Rita

Myrna
2016-02-05

Delighted to know that your blogs will once again be part of my life. Betty was, indeed, one incredible lady and someone whose place can and will never be replaced. She would have wanted you to continue on with your travel
plans and would have loved knowing that you are doing what had been planned for months. As is always the case, I wish you safe adventures and look forward to reading your wonderful blogs. Love you both and think of you every day...

Hope
2016-02-05

Betty's passing has left everyone who knew her completely heartbroken. Her life was such a beautiful gift to us, and our lives are that much better for having had her with us. Bravo to you both for fulfilling Betty's legacy and embracing life - she would have been the first person to insist that you go on this wonderful adventure! Wishing you safe travels and look forward to reading your blogs! Love, Hope

Wendy and Sid
2016-02-05

So many sympathies to both of you. May memories be a blessing....eventually ....xx

Joseph
2016-02-05

David and Bonnie,
My sympathies. Life must go on and I hope your new adventures and experiences will make it all worthwhile. I can't wait to share them with you from the south of Florida.

cissie.retired
2016-02-05

I am hoping that you will enjoy this trip as much as you have all your other ones. You have chosen to go and do very daring and somewhat risky adventures, so I'm wishing you safety in all your places.
I'm sure you have wonderful memories of your sister, David, and the aunt and cousin who also died. This journey will be a lovely way to honour them.

David Lilien
2016-02-06

I totally agree with the previous comments that you did the right thing by going on this trip. As Betty would agree, like goes on. My sweet Rochelle is in a similar situation and wanted to postpone her girls cruise outing to be with me. I told her that sticking to her plans is the right thing to do. Look forward to reading about your adventures and you will always be in my thoughts. Love David

Jennifer
2016-02-11

I was so saddened when I received the news about Betty's passing. David, you and Bonnie are definitely on the right path in keeping with Betty's wishes to travel and keep your obligations to others that you so gererously have volunteered.
I know what a wonderful woman Betty was and I hope you and your family know that she will forever be in my heart as well. Love you all, Jennifer

2025-02-15

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank