For Eli

On the day that you were born, your whole extended family felt boundless joy. Your Mommy and Daddy are so treasured by us that your arrival was the icing on the cake. Earlier in the week Aunt Jackie, Uncle Aron and cousin Hal flew in from Brooklyn. Then Grandma Susan and Grandpa Ivan drove up from Litchfield while Uncle Isaac drove down from North Haven. Uncle Shane, Aunt Jess, cousins Simon, Asher and Miriam, Uncle Simon and Nanny and Papa all live near us. Grandpa and I were lucky to have your Mommy and Daddy and your dog, Charli living right in our house. We were all waiting as patiently as we could for you to come. Wednesday night, your Mommy and Daddy had some snacks with our family at the Full Moon Restaurant (a particularly fun place for little children that you will get to know well!) Then they moved on to dinner with your Uncles Simon and Isaac and your Grandma Susan and Grandpa Ivan. Right in the middle of eating her meal, your Mommy knew it was time to go to the hospital. She hurried there with your Daddy and your Grandma Susan. Early the next morning, Thanksgiving Day, it was time for you to be born. I put the turkey in the oven, as I knew that Aunt Jackie could manage the food for our holiday celebration. Grandpa David, Grandpa Ivan and I were all at the hospital when your Daddy texted: BOY! We were so excited that we could barely wait for the elevator to take us up to see you. You had lots of dark hair and were sleeping peacefully while your Daddy, with happy tears in his eyes, rocked you in his arms. Your Mommy looked beautiful as always with her hair pinned up on top of her head and a beaming smile on her face. I welcome you with love, Eli Forrest, and could not be a more fortunate Grandma.

Election Day

My Grandma Bessie who escaped pogroms in Eastern Europe to sail steerage to America while she was pregnant with Uncle Ben and clutching the hand of toddler Aunt Mary, always told me that it is important to vote, not just because it is a right in this country, but because women fought long and hard for it. Each time I vote, I smile and marvel at how brave and adventurous she was.