A TRUE SHORT STORY

THE TRIP THAT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER

INDULGE me and let me take you back in time to July 1993, where Jerusalem was steamy hot and swarming with avid tourists.  I was a new bride reluctant to leave my svelte groom for a fortnight, but mother’s invitation to join her pilgrimage group was irresistible and a dream come true emerged.  Thankfully, the political situation was benign and we were enamored by all the holy sites, especially this one gate leading into the old city.  We had just stepped off the bus from visiting the desert ruins of Massah and Meribah, the scent of cilantro still tickling my nostrils while munching on a bunch of plump fresh figs.  Our tour guide was describing the history of this particular gate, the one where livestock entered the trade market for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.  Taking in this ancient view…