Besides a good story — My writing has evolved into spaces I never thought possible. I started as a sometimes-writer in the business sector. “Sometimes” because I was performing other business functions but could help with a case study or something technical when needed. It was fine, purposeful, and marginally satisfying. I progressed in my…

Answering the call of “Hineni” — “Here I am.” — Memories come at the oddest times. I was fourteen, in a body cast, and confined to my bed for five months. I was to lie flat and only turn from side to side to avoid bedsores. I had an “odd” aunt who never really warmed to her mother, my Bubbie…

Which doesn’t stay empty for long — Note: This piece was written for my sister-in-law, who will soon face her first experience as an empty nester. In our most recent conversation, her reflections and tender emotions took me back to my experience, which I share below. …

And the need to give people a second chance — I doubt I’m the only one who grew up hearing, “Make sure you make a good first impression.” At the time, I probably wondered whether that was my parents just being persnickety. It turns out they were right. This realization occurred when I reconsidered my take on a person I…

Following my friend Asher’s example — After we had Asher over to celebrate Chanukah, and Asher shared that this year, his family was giving to charity instead of to each other, I suggested we do the same. My mom thought it was a great idea but added: “We are giving to each other — just in…

It helps as I push my way through my sixties — When my mom hit 90, she told me, “The eighties are a cakewalk. I didn’t know it then, but I do now.” She died seven years ago at 92. Of her many gifts, she left her children with lessons big and small. …

My previous (and only) hangover was in college, but this one’s worse Ok, so it’s been a few decades, but I do remember my one hangover, which was so painful that I promised never to do it again. It’s a promise I’ve kept — unlike the promises I occasionally make…

And how my anger eventually found its home — Reader, “Lucy’s Snippets” will be the third book in a sequel that started with “Alfred’s Journey to Be Liked.” “Hannah’s Journal to Be Happy,” the second book, will come out in 2024. Then “Lucy’s Snippets: Born on the Wrong Side of the Track” will follow. …

Where I find purpose and meaning — Note to reader: Chanukah begins Thursday night, December 7th. This piece is intended to offer knowledge and help us get in a mood to celebrate. Let’s say, hypothetically speaking, you are having a conversation with yourself. …