My mother-in-law told me

 My mother-in-law told me 
That before her wedding, she
Proclaimed to the rabbi that she
Was an atheist, a non-believer, who
Consented to his pharisaical presence
Only for the sake of family peace.
But the resentment never ceased.

When I stand this next anniversary Of her passing, to recite the kaddish In commemoration of her soul and Passing, I’ll think of her soul wending Its way through the aether, and wonder If it laughs at my prayer, or is Grateful for the good wishes and Potential aid. Or thinks the whole Exercise vain. Even if metaphysically Demonstrated by the endless journey To its infinite never-end.

If that initial claim and resentment Were well determined and there Is no wending soul, at the Least I can claim no harm Inflicted, and recall a woman Who nonetheless tried to do some Good in our brief mortal realm.

If her soul is, and now wends its way, Let the supernal heights greet it in joy; And if not, let her memory be Be recalled with affection.

May the Name be increased and exalted.

In Memoriam Esther bat Yeshaya V’Kuna 26th Shevat 1 April 1932- 5 Feb 2005