September 2, 2011 My dear one, I must share with you a few notes from our amazing journey to Europe: The time zone transition was extremely challenging for you.  You actually never fully got into the rhythm of the Europe zone…and were always tired.  On top of that, I pushed you and the entire family…

Dear Maya, Your mother has laid daffodils at your feet, gold, like you. They will spread throughout the forest. At your head a crown of crystals and stones, all precious, and a leaf, married as you are to the trees. How beautiful it is, how beautiful you always are, even here, your mother gives you…

The last three weeks have been very, very dark for me.  Perhaps it was because of my recent transition.  I am aware of my vulnerability after landing and then integrating from our trip to Nepal.  It may have something to do with being cracked wide open by my experience there.  It could be that more…

I’m sitting on a rooftop in Boudhanath, Kathmandu.  Tibetan prayer flags blow in every direction.  Though the sounds of motorcycles, the hum of electric tuk tuks, barking of dogs, honking of every kind of vehicle, children playing are amidst, it is the deep echoes of Buddhist chants on speakers from a nearby monastery that resound…

One of the most challenging parts of life now is to be in social situations. Ironically, being in community is also incredibly fulfilling. How can this be? Even the idea of going to a gathering, a party, an event can trigger me. What will be stirred when I am around others? Which memories will bubble…

“It’s amazing how you and Mathew are getting through the tragedy of losing Maya,” a dear friend warmly told me after she recently read an article about the Foundation’s work. As I lovingly took that in, she noticed a glazed look that I had.  It was the word, “through” that took me somewhere.  “Through” means…

Growing up, my mom had a line that she would say to each of her three daughters, in a somewhat exasperated tone.  I could hear her now, “I love you so much that it hurts!”  Sometimes, she would cradle our face while chanting these words. When Adin and Maya would have their sibling squabbles, disagreements,…

At dance class as I listened to the drums, aside from the rhythms, I actually heard music.  There was a melody coming through that the drums alone could not be sounding.  It was magical.  We danced, “Kassa,” one of my favorite dances from the Malinke people of Guinea.  It is not surprising that the word…

April 13, 2013 Dear Sweet Maya, I spent part of the day with you as I drove you, Carmen and Ruby up to Hannah’s bat mitzvah.  I had a chance to see you around other peers.  All I can say is, “oy!”  It is such an awkward stage of life.  Some girls are fully developed;…

November 27, 2016 Dear Jonah, The day you were born, was certainly one of Maya’s favorite days! What a precious younger brother you have been to her. Maya was blessed to have you in her life! Sending you much love on your birthday from all of us!   Maya, Jonah and Talia through the years….