Grandmother Leaves Blank Calendar Squares for Unborn Grandchild

A grandmother, who is celebrating her eldest grandchild's wedding and awaiting the birth of a new great-grandchild, finds joy in a yearly tradition. Her children present her with a calendar, filling its dates with family events. This year, however, she intentionally leaves twelve squares blank, one for each month, as she already knows all her family's important dates. She reserves these empty spaces for a specific, yet-to-be-born grandchild.

During the High Holidays, the grandmother reflects on her first grandchild, Liat, who became a grandmother over thirty years ago. Liat and her husband, Robbie, are awaiting the birth of their child. The grandmother's prayers, particularly during the "Akeida" passage, are focused on this longed-for baby, hoping for a miracle to fill the empty calendar square and their home.

This personal longing resonates with many families facing infertility. The article highlights that numerous families share this experience, leaving blank calendar spaces for children yet to arrive. The collective yearning is expressed in the prayerful cry "Ayeh?" (Where is?).

The piece concludes with a call to action, urging readers to donate to "Bnei Olam," an organization that provides fertility treatments. The appeal suggests that contributions can help couples like Liat and Robbie, and thousands of others, fulfill their dream of having a child, potentially filling the grandmother's empty calendar square in the coming year.