REMEMBERING from page 91 and help her outside. But I was wrong. As I watched my grandma shrink into a hospital bed, I realized her existence in that apartment, which seemed to me so depressing, had actually been quite full. She had her memories, her routine and the free- dom to eat cookies for dinner — in bed, if she so desired. Maybe she needed me to take her shopping, but, by golly, my grandma was there to dictate exactly what I would buy. I look at pictures of myself as a child, leaning against a much younger grandma with smooth skin, a straight back and strong hands. I know those photos by heart, but, to be honest, I don't remember her like that. I stare at the images and see hands I know became crooked, a back that hunched and the skin which lost its glow. While the grand- daughter of those pictures was grow- ing up, the grandma got old. People say how fortunate I am to have known my grandma after I reached adulthood. I know it's one of those statements that is supposed to make you feel good, but I can't help thinking that maybe if I remembered her better when she was younger, the :ast year, they came t droves to dance, shrnooze, scope the crowd, munch snacks and hear really good, albeit a bit loud, live music. This year, it's a different story. Hopefully, the young adults will still come in droves but the annual Purim Bash has changed its pro- gram. On Saturday, March 14, beginning at 9 p.m., the festive Purim get-together will feature a carnival much like days of old — only this time, it's for adults. Expect dancing, carnival and casi- no games, a velcro wall, magicians, caricaturists, massage therapists and a palm reader. Oh yeah, and don't forget the video games and door prizes. memories wouldn't be as sad. It is one of the unfortunate reali- ties of life that we missed those younger years. But I am so thankful to have been there for her later on, when she needed me. I know I did brighten her day, even in the days when she was no longer strong enough to lean on the shopping cart. My grandma always said she'd die before living in a nursing home, which is exactly what she did. My sweet grandmother is gone now And I'm not sure what I'll do on Sundays. ❑ HAPPENINGS Saturday, Feb. 28 Tuesday, March 3 YAD Havdalah party for older adults. 7:30 p.m. Fleischman Resi- dence, 6710 W. Maple, West Bloom- field. For young adults, 21-35, and seniors. Call Jim Rosenberg, (248) 203-1455. To pray or not to pray? That is the question. 7 p.m. Rabbi Michael Moskowitz, Barnes & Noble Book- sellers, West Bloomfield. Call Lainie Phillips, (248) 354-1050. Sunday, March 1 Prepare and deliver Purim parcels with YAD. 12-4 p.m. Call Jim Rosenberg, (248) 203-1455. The challenge of cloning: ethics and new technology noon. Young Jewish Humanists lunch. Cost: $5. (248) 477- 1410. Monday, March 2 B'nai B'rith Leadership Network pool league is now forming. Play begins March 9 at 7 p.m., at Fifth Avenue Billiards in Royal Oak. Call Mike Kahan, (248) 362-4666. Sunday, March 8 Hillel of Metro Detroit coffeehouse night. 9 p.m. At Lonestar Coffee Co., 207 S. Woodward, Birmingham. (313) 577-3459. Brunch, B'nai B'rith Leadership Net- work. 11 a.m. Einstein Brothers Bagels, Orchard Lake and Maple. (248) 788- NEWS. Sign up now! March 20-22, spring Shabbaton, singles 30 and up, Bais Chabad Torah Center, West Bloomfield. Featuring Dr. Leo Steiner, talking about relationships. Cost: $175 per person. Call Rochel Crockett, (248) 855-6170 (email: bctc770@aol.com). SINGLES TRAVEL West BloomYfie * What. Youn and Carnival * How To Get More Informatio1'1 - Call SharonWise,' se, (3 1 3) 577-3459 ' Sponsors-include Hillel of Metro Detroit, the Yo un Adult Division and the Community outreach and t . Education De of the Jew- ish Federation, Pa H B'nai nai B'rith Leader- ship Network, adassah's 1