Happy Birthday, My Love

~ slfuchs

I fell for Vickie the first time I laid eyes on her in the same WHAMO way that Michael Corleone fell for Apollonia in Godfather I. I love her even more today.

Below: Vickie and I when we met

My prayer for Vickie’s 75th birthday is that her trip around the sun that begins today will be much easier than the last.

She fought off lymphoma with the help of wonderful medical teams in both Fort Myers and the Moffitt Cancer Center here in Tampa. When she “rang the bell” to signify the successful completion of her six chemo treatments we thought we were home free.

Below: Vickie and I after she rang the bell at Moffitt Cancer Center one year ago!

The diagnosis of lung cancer that followed not long thereafter –especially for a person who never smoked –came as a great shock.

But Vickie has met that challenge head on!

On December 29 she underwent major surgery to remove the cancerous portion –about 1/3 of the total– of her left lung. The pain she continues to endure brings tears to my heart. Now we wait for test results which could come within days or a couple of weeks. They will determine what we must do next.

Regardless, I am confident that Vickie will beat this!

Despite the tribulations of this past year, which include being forced out of our home for seven months due to the devastation of Hurricane Ian, there have been moments of great joy to savor:

  • The Bar Mitzvah services of our grandsons Micah and Jeremy
  • The ordination — after five long years of study — of our son Leo
  • The celebration of my formal retirement from and designation as Rabbi Emeritus of Bat Yam Temple of the islands
  • The joy of officiating at the installation ceremony of our dear friend Rabbi Julia Margolis as Spiritual Leader of the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
  • Serving as Rabbi on a Chanukah cruise to the Bahamas
  • The joy we both derive from playing tennis in Sanibel
  • Our 49th wedding anniversary
  • The amazing support of so many people for Vickie and me that gives us both strength

As we each ponder our many blessings say with the Psalmist (23:5):

כוסי רויה

“My cup runneth over!

IMay God grant her a complete and speedy recovery! May she soon be pain free! And may we enjoy many more of her birthdays together!

Below: Vickie today.. Happy Birthday, my love!

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Published by slfuchs

Loving husband, father, grandfather and rabbi. Author of, "What's in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” "ToraHighlights,” “Why the Kof?,” “Why Triple Chai?,” "Who Created God?," and "...And Often the First Jew." On October 17, 2017, Rabbi Fuchs was selected as the recipient of the Vanderbilt Divinity School's Distinguished Alumnus Award. To be considered for this award, one must demonstrate excellence and distinction in justice-making through their efforts in congregational ministry, religious institutions, non-denominational/all-inclusive organizations, community–based organizations, government, or other social institutions. Spent last four falls serving in Milan, Italy, (2013) and Germany (2014-2016). Otherwise, he enjoy writing and speaking after serving three congregations and as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is currently serving as Rabbi of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Sanibel, Florida.

16 thoughts on “Happy Birthday, My Love”

  1. Continued love and prayers for your beautiful Vickie . 💜
    There are not enough words to express my admiration for her courage and yours .
    We have been where you are and know how important it is to have support.
    Happy Birthday .. and many many more to continue this beautiful love story.
    Mindy

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  4. Steve, we remember when you met Vickie, when you were married, when you introduced her to the Congregation. You have been the perfect couple supporting each other, raising children moving on to new locations, challenges. You’ll be together for long into the future.

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  6. Happy birthday sweet Vicky, happy happy victorious birthday!!! You and Steve are a beacon of light amidst all!.
    Have a big hug from Germany!!!
    Yancy

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  7. Calendar Date: January 8th, ( 2024 )

    Dear Vickie,

    Wishing for you a VERY Happy belated birthday, with complementary Best Wishes regarding your health, wealth, and well-being contained in the newly-arricing calendar year as well as far, far beyound ( ❤ ) !

    Again, Dear Vickie, Happy Birthday !

    Best always,

    Mark Loveland

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  8. Happy Birthday Vickie. Our prayers: May this be a wonderful year of happy moments, and robust health! Libby and Jim

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  9. Happy Birthday, beautiful and wonderful lady.
    You have been the rock, confidant and partner in support of Steve throughout his remarkable career and life.
    The strength, compassion and love you exhibit towards Steve, family and friends is undeniable.
    You are truly an amazing woman and one of God’s works of art.
    To know you is to love you, Vickie.

    Donnie

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