It’s only been recently that I learned to view biblical stories with a new lens.  As I prepared for becoming a Bat Mitzvah in early 2015, I grappled with my D’var Torah (literally word of the Torah, or lesson, otherwise known as “the speech”).  I went to others for guidance.  Friends shared that I ought…

With each choice, I have a finger on my pulse.  Which decision is better for me at this moment?  I have been pretty in tune with what works for me and what does not.  What might trigger the current and pull me under a wave?  I never really can tell.  And sometimes, I just have…

September 29, 2006 Maya: Mommy, Adin just kicked me in the stomach. Adin: Yes, but she just hit me in the buttocks. Maya: Adin, your butt does not talk! October 24, 2006 Jo told me about this.  She came by yesterday afternoon to remove a tic since Bridget, our babysitter was here.  During that time,…

None of us here in life were given a script.  We’re all just figuring it out, trying to do the best we can.  It’s always been that way.  But since Maya took her life, my awareness of how to live has been heightened.  Part of this awareness for me, has to do with survival and…

June 17, 2009 Dear Maya, Thankfully, the antibiotics have kicked in.  It seems as if you’re over the hump and can see the light now.  But it was rough getting there!  You got worse before you got better.  Much fatigue.  One night while practicing piano, I witnessed you jump from a pain in your head. …

August 22, 2002 Dear Maya, Another month of rich development.  Your language reflects conceptual growth.  I’ll give you a few for instances. You look in the hamper and if there’s nothing in it (a rare moment), you’ll say, “it’s empty.” If someone is doing something unfamiliar to you you’ll say, “whatchya doing?” You also love…

The cherry blossoms on our tree opened today.  Typically, this is a joyful day.  I’ve been determined to keep joy in my life.  I have pushed myself to engage in activities that I love.  I go to dance class, which feeds me on many levels, surround myself with beauty while taking hikes, get my hands…

April 28, 2008 One Sunday a month, you’ve been enjoying “Weaving Friendships”, a workshop for girls.  You spend time weaving and also time with other crafts and outside in nature.  Amy, the leader, shared many glowing impressions of you.  One little story I have to share. The last time when going outside, you ran ahead…

February 27, 2001 Dear One, As the saying goes, “people plan, God and babies laugh”.  Around two weeks ago we (Daddy) had the idea to try to feed you.  Adin picked out a special organic sweet potato.  It was baked and mashed.  Adin fed you your first couple of bites.  You had no interest.  We…

I’ve been learning to say, “yes” in a way that I have never done before. At first, it was “yes” to meals. We actually did not prepare one dinner for over three months. If we did not say that it was time to stop receiving food, there’s a chance that we’d still be eating delicious…