Dear Grandpa,

 

When I was thinking about what to say for your birthday, I came back to this photo: Lior and me in the front, you and Ma behind us, and all of us together in one boat.

 

In the Torah, when Yaakov sees Yosef with his children, he tells him:

 

״רְאֹה פָנֶיךָ לֹא פִלָּלְתִּי, וְהִנֵּה הֶרְאָה אֹתִי אֱלֹהִים גַּם אֶת זַרְעֶךָ״

(בראשית מ״ח, י״א)

 

After everything Yaakov and Yosef had been through, this simple moment together—a grandfather, his son, and his grandchildren—was an incredible blessing. It reminds us that one of life’s greatest gifts is seeing your family grow and sharing in their lives.

 

Your name is Yosef, which makes this passage feel especially fitting. And to me, this photo captures that same blessing. You and Ma are right there in the adventure with us—paddling, laughing, and creating memories that stay with us long after the trip is over.

 

In this picture, you’re sitting behind us, but you and Ma have helped us move forward in life. As we grow up and take hold of our own paddles, we carry your love, your example, and the sense of family you’ve given us.

 

Grandpa, I wish you many more years of health, happiness, and wonderful moments with Ma and all of us. May you continue to see your family grow and enjoy many more adventures together—with all of us in the same boat.

 

Happy birthday.