the day I earned my HERO badge.

In April 2005, my husband was busy in his studies at Gonzaga Law School, and I felt merely privileged if he could squeeze me in for a lunch date. This particular experience happened to be in the middle of finals week, so I felt extra loved. We always met for lunch at Fred Meyer's deli.. I know, it sounds mighty romantic.. but it was totally our style. Our boys (who didn't include Zack at the time) were happily playing in the children's area. Aaron and I could have a peaceful hour getting re-acquainted with each other while devouring our deli style sandwiches and salads. We sat across from each other at a small table and even though my husband's conversation was enthralling (citations, regulations, statutes-- a girl just can't get ENOUGH) my attention was captivated by the man sitting directly behind Aaron. He was by himself and looked as though he had just escaped from Fiddler on the Roof. He had a shaggy beard, glasses, and was wearing a long brown dress that looked like it was made out of a potato sack. He also had a white round hat thing on the back of his head. You know, the kind usually worn by Jewish grooms. I was interested in his style.. and wondered if he was a monk. I don't know if they have Jewish monks or if they call them Rabbis instead. hmm.. I was lost in my train of thought when he stood up and started pounding his chest with one arm... which just confirmed his weirdness. He started moving around the tables and my first thought was that he was doing some religious dance-- (because it was obviously time to worship!) Then he started pounding faster and now with both hands.. in gorilla style. Everyone was staring at him and I was totally entertained.. and then it hit me.. HE CAN'T BREATHE! (Jews must not know the universal sign for chocking.. put your hands up to your throat!!!-- instead they do a funky, chest-pounding dance.. kinda weird but whatever.) "He's CHOCKING!!" I said it out loud [twice] and looked at Aaron as if to say, "Do something about it!" He was standing closer to Aaron than he was to me, but he caught my eye, and he knew that I knew he was chocking, so he backed up into me and I threw my arms around him, and gave him the Heimlich. I honestly have no idea if I was doing it right... It felt really awkward because he was much taller than me.. but after I pushed on him a couple of times, I let go and he started coughing.. He doubled over and a HUGE piece of fried chicken came out and landed on the floor right next to my feet. The people sitting at the tables (including the workers) started clapping. [Refer to me as SuperGirl, if you must.]

He took a deep breath and then gave me a hug and said "Thank you." How do you respond to that? "No problem, Jewish Monk, sir. Chicken is as EVIL as pork!!" was not my reply. I think I nodded my head and then sheepishly sat back down at the table. Aaron and I just stared at each other and then we started laughing hysterically. I couldn't help myself because the whole situation was just so random! But at the same time, I didn't want to come across as insensitive... because a religious man (who looked like an ugly version of Jesus) almost died right in front of us. So, I covered my mouth with my napkin and just tried to hold in the giggles. One of the deli managers came over to our table to 'congratulate' me and apologized for not cleaning up the mess sooner. This made me laugh even harder because she thought I was covering my mouth because I was grossed out by the slimy piece of chicken on the ground.. which was not the case. We decided to just call it a day and leave the deli.. because how much more excitement can you ask for? As I stood up to go, the monk guy came over and gave me another hug and said "Thanks again" and this time I was able to look him in the eyes and say, "You're welcome." And that was that.

He's never sent me a Christmas card or called to wish me a Happy Birthday. I have no idea if he has children or if he ever became Rabbi.. But if you are out there, Mr. Jewish Monk, know that I will never forget the time we spent together--with my arms tightly wrapped around you, squeezing you like there was no tomorrow. God bless and Happy Hanukkah.