When Ivan and I were first married, we lived in this little 2-bedroom apartment on the 3rd floor of this little building in Skokie near Lincolnwood. I remember this home fondly, as most couples probably do looking back on their first home together as a newly married couple. One of the things I loved most about it was that I could clean it in one afternoon; it was that small. It was sunny, warm and a short walk from one of my favorite sanctuary’s: Emily Oaks Nature Center. I would go there early in the morning, to walk, to run, to be alone, to be quiet.
I remember Ivan would get up early in the morning around 5:45am. When he would leave for work, he would turn on Rita Springer in the office and let it lull me from my slumber into a quiet and wakeful state. I felt the words of these songs washing over me and orienting me to what is true, noble and good.
This morning, I came down the stairs with groggy eyes, stiff joints and two girls in my arms and out of our little orange office came the melodies and powerful voice of Rita. Ahhhhh. I felt loved by Ivan and let the music wash over me again.
What a wonderful memory.