Full Circle in Mexico

This past weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating the wedding of a dear friend’s son, surrounded by family and friends.

At the bridal dinner the night before the big day, I was delighted to reconnect with a gentle and precious soul—someone I hadn’t seen since high school. Back then, he was a young Yeshiva student, a Rabbi who took a liking to me and my friends, becoming an instrumental mentor and source of inspiration during a formative time in our lives.

As we embraced, I said to him, “I can’t believe it’s been over 30 years. It feels like yesterday… and before we know it, we’re grandparents, living in the prime years of our lives.”

He smiled his knowing smile and responded with the Hebrew words: “בשמחה רבה ואמרו כולם” (Besimcha Rabbah Veomru Kulam), which translates to “With great joy, and everyone said.”

This phrase, often used in Jewish liturgy and celebrations, stirred something deep within me.

Curious, I asked, “Why did you say that?”

He laughed and said, “Don’t you remember? I used to say this whenever I saw you. You always brought joy to every occasion.” Then he added, “These words are also an acronym for your Hebrew name, ברוך (Boruch), which means ‘Blessed.’ You are blessed to bring joy to the world.”

In that moment, 35 years vanished in an instant. A long-forgotten memory resurfaced, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and realization.

I took a deep breath and said, “Wow… it’s good to hear these words again, to reconnect with that truth. Life has a way of kicking the joy out of you, and it’s been a while since I’ve really felt that deeply.”

Over the past few days, I’ve been reflecting—taking stock of my life, counting my blessings, and thanking my Creator for His endless and unbounded benevolence.

We often paint a picture of ourselves based on our circumstances rather than on the truth of who we are and the unlimited potential we carry.

Sometimes, it takes a last-minute trip to Mexico, a sip of a kosher daiquiri, and an old, wise friend to remind us of the joy we were always meant to bring into the world.