A Half-Dozen Healys

Dear Evan,

Tomorrow you will be seven. Each year, you grow and change. You surprise me with new skills and characteristics. Some of your sharp edges get smoothed out by the tides. You can tolerate more frustration; your sense of humor continues to develop.

As I did for your siblings, I’ve written you a haiku for your birthday:

Evan, age 7

My rabbi talks about the concept of Hineini at High Holiday services. In Hebrew, Hineini translates into “here I am.” Rabbi Lefkowitz takes it one step further, and we repeat, “Hineini. Here I am. You can count on me.” We turn and repeat the phrase to our neighbors.