The Darkness Behind My Smile
I am laying against the wall with my fingers in my ears. My eyes are closed shut. I feel the pressure of my husband’s hand on my back. Holding my breath for a few moments too long, my teeth are clenched. I never knew I had so many tears. I never knew I could be in a world of people but feel like I am stuck in a box, alone, in the dark.
Yom Tov is Coming and All I Feel is Dread….
Summer is still very much in the air. The temperature is warm, we are still on a crazy schedule crazy schedule of no sleep, and we take a look at the calendar and do a double take. Really?!? Elul is almost over?!? Can Rosh Hashana be that close to NOW?
Interview with Mrs. Toby Tabak
Having a baby generations ago was quite different from how new mothers give birth today. I’m not referring to the delivery itself, I’m referring specifically to the attention given to the new mother. Women would have the baby in her home, surrounded by the love and experience of other women in her family, guided by a trusted midwife. It was an event that was recognized as a time to focus on the new mother just as much for the new baby.
Trauma, New Parenthood and the Pandemic
“In these challenging times,” “we’re all in this together,” “stay at home.” If no one has given you permission to scream from hearing these phrases, allow me to do that. Being exasperated does not diminish the value of these statements that are 1) acknowledging what is happening, 2) normalizing the experience and 3) making a plan to be well – that is all perfectly sound messaging. However, it is also perfectly human to be frustrated, angry, exhausted, triggered, sad, and overwhelmed by this world health crisis.
Dear Parents…
I don’t expect you to wake up in the morning- Doing anything more than closing your eyes and yawning- I don’t except you to scrabble eggs- Or shine anyone’s shoes or make all the beds- I don’t expect you to teach science or math- Or give child number three a one-hour bath- I don’t expect you to have patience all day- I actually don’t expect anything today (or any day).
Covid-19 Advice
Hope you and your families are doing well. We know that during these unpredictable times you must be feeling uncertainty and anxious. We want you all to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Here at Yad Rachel, we understand what you are struggling with and trying so bravely to overcome. We can imagine with all the news and school closings and thoughts of quarantine you will be feeling more symptomatic than usual. Times like these can trigger anxiety. We are hoping that these thoughts we are sharing with you will bring some relief.
