I told my father how afraid I was and he enveloped me in his arms, held me tight and said, “Lichtige kind meinz – my precious light, Hashem is always with you and Mommy and I are always with you; there is nothing to be afraid of.” And with that he took out a piece of paper and wrote those words from the parshah, kenafsho keshuro benafsho – the soul of the father is bound to the soul of the child.”
I have told this story to my children and grandchildren. They know it well. Whenever I give them a gift or write them a letter I always it sign it with those words, “The soul of the parent is bound to the soul of the child.” I tell them, “It’s a gift that Zaida left for each and every one of you. He’s in Shamayim but he sees you and hears your voices. He comes to your simchas. He’s at your side on that joyous walk to the chuppah. He blesses you. He davens for you. He holds you tight. You are never alone.”
My father’s message speaks not only to me but to each one of us. Our departed fathers and mothers and grandfathers and grandmothers are always at our side. We need only invite them and they will walk with us on life’s rough road.