It would have been enough

Oh, Alex and Doug and Sara,

We can only imagine how you all must feel. The light went out for all of us as well.

At Passover Seder we say the “Dayenu” prayer. Roughly translated it means “it would have been enough,” “it would have been sufficient.” Each of a number of things God had done is followed by dayenu, the sense that only one or a few would have been enough but thanking God for having done so much.

Susan, had you just been such an elegant writer, Dayenu.

Had you just been such an exceptional teacher, Dayenu.

Had you just been such a loving wife, and loving sister, and loving friend, all Dayenu.

But on top of all that over these last three years you have brought such joy into our lives in allowing us to share the joy you kept finding for yourself as you willed your life to continue.

And the courage you have shown, so admirable and amazing, a well on which each of us can draw as we face our own challenges.

All Dayenu, all more than any one of us could have ever asked from a single person.

Much love, and to you Alex and Sara and Doug,

Bruce Jentleson

Professor of Public Policy and Political Science

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