A Time to Cry

It's hard to imagine how strong Ellen was
She never complained even in the midst of horrendous pain
"Are you in pain, Mom?" we would ask
"Don't ask me that" she would say
You were so strong, Ellen, but now it's a time to cry.

We feel pain and sorrow at the passing of Ellen
A woman of Valor, in her own quiet way
Although not always so expressive,
She loved her family so deeply, always giving
Thinking of you, Ellen, we can't help but cry.

She was so shy and quiet that most didn't know
That Ellen was a powerhouse, an achiever, a doer
She never bragged, never asked for recognition, always shunned any attention
But whatever she did, she excelled at, and made a difference
For those who appreciated Ellen, now it's a time to cry

As a physical therapist she helped people heal and gave them hope for the future
Especially the children who she worked with, helping some of them walk
Kids, teens, adults and the elderly were all the beneficiaries of her skill and devotion
But most of all they know that she cared and was sincerely interested in their life
For all of those whom you helped, now it's a time to cry.

And then there was Ellen the dancer
Not a performer, but a dancer in the truest sense
She moved with a grace and beauty that was uniquely her own
And made lasting friendships in her folk dance group
For you folk dance friends, now it's a time to cry.

Ellen was always searching for truth and beauty
Looking for G-d in the remotest of places
In the end she found G-d in her own tradition
And returned to him fully with Teshuvah and Tefillah
Your Teshuva goes with you, but for us it's a time to cry.

Her greatest role in life, beyond any doubt
Was her role as a Mother to her 4 special children
She gave them everything she could and never asked for thanks
She was always supportive, caring and sincerely interested in each of her children's lives
Never judging or condemning, just unconditional loving
Whether it was horse back riding, dancing or sports
She spent all of her money, time and energy
Taking care of her children's wants, needs and desires,
All while working full time and running a home.
Your children will miss you greatly, and we all need to cry

All of us are thankful for the time that we shared with Ellen
Devoted mother, devoted grandmother, devoted daughter, devoted friend
Devoted therapist, devoted healer, devoted dancer, devoted seeker and devoted Jew
And for those who were privileged to see her in the end
Her devotion to just being alive was awe inspiring
The only thing I wish you knew before that you left us
Was that you were special and important
And that its all right to cry.