Right now we are in this awful state of limbo- my dad whose organs have all shut down is on life support. And yet last night at 7pm, after being in the ICU for two weeks, my sister called and said that he was responding to commands. I cannot express the feelings of lightness, the thought that perhaps this man, his smile, his laughter and his very essence would once again be mine to bask in. I … [Read more...]
As my dad’s illnesses progress there is so much more I want to know
My father has never been a good patient. In fact I remember listening to my parents get into heated arguments over the fact that my father would be feeling chest pains and refuse to see a doctor. He's from a long-line of men- who believe not admitting to any physical ailments is what makes them powerful and strong. He is the polar opposite of my mother- who is likely every doctor's worst … [Read more...]
The Best Valentine’s Day Gift
By Carolyn Edgar My Valentine's Day started off with a bang. Or, more specifically a ring. No, not the ring of the alarm clock - although that is literally how I got started this morning. I am referring to the ring of my cell phone, an unexpected call from my secretary as I was about to walk into my doctor's office (the doctor's office is a story for another time). "The school nurse from your … [Read more...]
Being the mother of a daughter, especially as she gets older, gets complicated
As a mother I know my every move is being carefully recorded and dissected by my daughter; my mini-me, my living, breathing shadow. Whereas when she was younger, and more easily distracted by shiny objects; i.e. her attention could be diverted by a candy necklace or a new video, I wasn't as concerned that my every action would become a finely etched memory in her consciousness. But as she's … [Read more...]
Religion and your relationship- what happens when you’re not on the same page
When I wrote about my decision to send my kids to a private religious school (much to my husband's chagrin) in The Jewish Week I admitted that a lot of my decision was born out of a sense of guilt, a sense of duty, and a sense to continue the journey of my ancestors and keep the religion, culture and customs alive and well in the hearts of my kids. And I am happy and feel really good about my … [Read more...]