The Intricate Circles of Life
Rather than a Cross or Star of David or more traditionally religious symbol, I wear this triple Koru “religiously” around my neck as a reminder of the sacredness of life and the 3 miraculous gifts of life I have received after my two rounds with terminal cancer.
I learned about the Koru in 2015 when my first round with cancer sent me on a path in search of adventure, limit-pushing exertion, and awe-inspiring experience -- climbing through mountain ranges in Slovenia, Patagonia and New Zealand, where I came across my first Koru. Which in Maori culture is a representation of “new life” and “rebirth” in the first unfurling of a newly born silver fern frond. Seeing those tiny fronds beginning to open up to life and the world was such a beautiful, universal and vulnerable little image to me, that I’ve kept it with me always as a physical and cautionary reminder of the brevity and sanctity of life. As well as its universality in coming “full circle” into death and new life again.
The importance of my koru resurfaced very tangibly this past weekend when I received a WhatsApp message almost from beyond the grave from my dear Bubby, “Bunny” Ricelle Grossinger, that she had passed away (just as I was about to celebrate a new birthday) and that her funeral at the Riverside Memorial Chapel on West 76th Street in New York City was actually scheduled for my birthday.
This happening just as I was moving further into my new life in Bermuda felt so eerily important and made me feel incredibly close to her, as if she was ending her koru by winding it into mine for its continuation. And remotely joining the funeral service where family and loved ones shared their many wonderful stories about her only added to that feeling of intimate intertwining and sent me down the spirals of time to my first encounter with Bunny.
I first met Bunny at a very young but important age -- about 8 -- when I was in search of a real role model for myself. So, when she appeared like a haute-coutured and coiffed little fairy godmother to take me to lunch at the most stylish restaurant at the Plaza Hotel, I knew our relationship would grow quickly and intimately. She was everything I aspired to be in a woman: outspoken, fun, fit, sophisticated, a careerwoman and thought-leader and so very open-minded.
And after that first encounter, I always looked forward to seeing my friend, Bunny, at dinner parties and theatrical outings, because unlike most adults in my life, she didn’t take herself or life too seriously, and really knew how to laugh. She just seemed to take everything in stride and keep on having a good time. And she ALWAYS had an open hand and heart to support me in whatever career or life chapter I entered.
It wasn’t until much later in my life that I learned about all the challenges and hardships she’d faced in life (like the loss of both her husbands, the first being Paul Grossinger (of the exclusive Catskills Grossinger’s Resort featured in Mrs. Maisel and Dirty Dancing). As well as the ultimate demise of Grossinger’s, her own multi-year battle with terminal lung cancer and the loss of so much of her life and dignity to Bernie Madoff.
Instead, she just kept giving and even solicited her Rabbi and Kabbalah teacher to bring me closer into her spiritual Jewish circle by giving me a Hebrew name and often encouraging me to join their learning and prayer groups. And I so wish now that I had. Because it’s only now, As I learn more about the Circles, or Sefirot
of Kabbalah, that I think I’m beginning to understand why my Koru is so important to me and makes me feel close to her even now, as she returns to the ground in her simple wooden box, only to come back again.
Our lives will always encircle each-other in the blessed, perfect and eternal circles of life.
Holly Lynch is a 20+ year communications veteran and life-long social impact advocate and strategist who has helped individuals, educational leaders, and companies tackle the toughest challenges in their worlds.
Having survived countless life setbacks and two rounds with terminal cancer, while seeing the country-wide collapse of the systems and safety nets for the most vulnerable in and outside our communities, she is now shifting her life and career trajectories to focus on coaching those facing down fundamental shifts and transitions as they try to navigate and rebuild their lives, institutions and businesses during these unprecedented times.