From the remarks of Rabbi Yossie Nemes at Natalie’s funeral
...in addition to being such a fine, caring and kind human being, Natalie was extremely consistent and determined.
I once heard the following from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. When one wants to light a fire to provide warmth and light, he can burn (amongst other things) logs or straw.
Logs take a long time to catch fire and especially for the inside to become aflame. Once it is burning, however, it burns quietly and consistently and provides warmth and light for an extended period of time.
Straw on the other hand becomes quickly engulfed in flames with a loud noise and a big thump. We not only see the huge flame but we can even hear the straw burning! And then, lo and behold, the straw is all burned out and there is no warmth or light to speak of just a mere few minutes later.
Similarly there are two types of personalities: There are those people who, like logs, don’t get very emotional or easily excited when a good idea arises, as they tend to take things slowly. Log people get involved in good activities with deliberate planning in order to see if they can realistically contribute to the cause. Once, however, they do internalize something important, they consistently and quietly keep at it and don’t give up at the first sign of difficulty. Even as it becomes clear that a given cause or activity they committed to will take great dedication, they stick with it. They are logs who give light and warmth to the community for the long term.
People who have straw personalities are very emotional and get quickly excited with any good idea to help a fellow or enhance Jewish observance. This immediate excitement comes with a lot of noise and fanfare. When things get difficult, however, they burn out quickly, in true straw form, and jump off the bandwagon.
Clearly, Natalie was a log person - she was not the first person to get excited when an idea arose. Instead she quietly listened, considered and discussed it with her family and friends. When she did feel something was important and when she did get involved , it was for the long haul! You could always count on Natalie for the duration as Natalie NEVER quit.
Furthermore, not only did Natalie possess a beautiful log personality, she also had that same soothing effect on those around her. I am by nature a straw personality, excitement and enthusiasm are not a problem for me. My challenge lies in follow-through and consistency. Yet, both on projects that Natalie was involved in, and in regard to the good resolutions that I took for Natalie during her time of illness, my involvement was different than what I experienced hundreds of times before. Somehow where Natalie was involved, directly or indirectly, she helped us CONSISTENTLY be better parents, better spouses, better human beings and better Jews. For the long term, until the coming of Moshiach, I hope to keeps these resolutions!
Like every Neshama, Natalie’s soul is eternal. In addition, Natalie during her life and in her passing, is a beautiful log that will give everlasting warmth, light and comfort to her family. Natalie’s goodness, kindness and consistency will shine forth forever, until the coming of Moshiach when will be reunited with her once again….