T-minus 96 Hours and counting!

It seems like just a few days ago when I wrote that we were entering the 30 day period leading up to Passover. Now,with less than 96 hours before we begin the Seder,I am at a loss as to where the time went.I have no doubt that all will come together. It always does.I'm not even stressing anything. ,at least not yet.The house has a different feel to it with both Becca and Sara not living here anymore.There is also a huge difference in the types of foods we now eat,which makes a lot of the pot, pans and utensils a bit obsolete.As I began to unpack , I found myself putting things away knowing full well, I will not be using them this year.A slow roaster.....no need.An electric carving knife....no brisket....no knife needed.A turkey roasting pan......it's Passover, not Thanksgiving (besides I almost never roast my own turkey anymore).Baking racks?Muffin pans?....(Becca's getting a gift!)
Slowly , meticulously and in an orderly fashion things are getting put away.
I also made up my menu for the first 3 days ,so shopping should be a more controlled experience as well.
One might think that this apparent down sizing might be seen as minimizing the holiday experience. Quite the contrary.
It actually is more thoughtful and meaningful. Instead of racing through switching out all of our dishes,pots ,and utensils with the Passover ones, I am taking the time to sort, strategically place and give purpose to each thing I handle, understanding why I have it, what I will use it for and when I will need it . Knowing where it will be when I need it will be key to making preparing for and setting out the Seder meal that much easier and efficient.
I can not begin to convey to you how much I would love to be able to share our Seder with you, to have you join us at our table and experience what has been handed down from generation to generation. And how each generation that has come along has add their own stamp on the Holiday.It is a blessing that compares to no other. No offense to any other holiday we celebrate,Passover is the one singular event that spans generations. It connects me to all of those who came and shared this experience right back to the day when Moses led my people out of slavery and bondage.
As I write this, my thoughts turn to verses and passages that we will soon reread, as we do every year.
The letters which which for years just formed words on pages,all of a sudden have come to life for me.It's truly remarkable,this sense of connection. Connection to all that has come before and all that will follow for generations to come.

Okay......enough of this for now!
I need some sleep!
Tomorrow will be here soon enough....building permits, doctor's appointment,errands,meetings and phone follow ups before I can spend any more time preparing for Friday.
I really can use some rest.
Tight sleep!