For Emily

This morning, I spent some precious time watching the boys play in the kitchen and just enjoying the simple pleasure of having Reuben home again.

At noon, I attended the funeral of Emily. She was only 8.

I learnt many things today, about the strength of the human spirit, about selfless love. And that one of the highest honors in Judaism is to help with the burial. And so we threw earth upon little Emily's coffin, the honor being that it is a gift she can never repay. Through the outpouring of emotions during the service, so many joyful recollections of her incredible smile, some familiar faces brought together through our hospitals and the connections we have made here as we have touched each other's lives. Parents attended who have recently lost their own child. People like you and me, but who live with the knowledge that death is a part of life, who know that even through the pain of long term hospitalization, we will have those moments when we are overcome with joy, when we breathe in our child's sticky hair and feel intoxicated by their being, their soul. Our hearts are truly heavy today but I have that ultimate honor of kissing sweet Emily with her gorgeous curly locks a last goodbye. Rest in peace Emily and may God shower your family and friends with comfort in his loving arms.