Burnt Chocolate Stories

“How did you meet?” is one of the questions that frequently comes up when celebrating a milestone anniversary. My answer, unsurprisingly, took the form of a brief story which I read to family and friends gathered together.  It was a perfect day with wonderful food, music and dancing.  And while many of our friends have known us for most of those years, they were curious to know how we met. While my memory has dimmed somewhat, this day is still vivid and bright. First Glance Dad’s Day Weekend at the University of Illinois is in 3 weeks and we have just rehearsed our skit for the past 2 hours.  My hair hangs in strings and I feel gritty and slippery.  My glasses are smudged, make-up gone and as I follow my dorm mates into the lobby, I cannot decide if I am more hungry or tired.  Papers litter the tables, students lounge on the floor, sofas and chairs.  I walk up the accessible ramp, stepping over books and backpacks.  A hand taps my shoulder...

Zoe, age 5 I wrote Candles and Cakes several years ago.  Zoe is now in her senior year of high school and just as bright and delightful as ever.  I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did writing it. Candles and Cakes    Zoe, our five year old granddaughter, had an overnight with us several weeks ago. It was just the two of us that night. I fixed bulls eye eggs for dinner and had already lifted my fork when she said,  “Grandma, it’s Friday night. Don’t you think we should light the candles and say the blessings?”  Right. The child had brought with her a small challah. Together, we put the candles in their holders, found the matches, poured the wine. I was about to strike the match when she said,  “First we have to take a deep breath and welcome Shabbat.”  Right again. After dinner, we went upstairs to read a few stories together until it was time for her bath. “Grandma, I’d like to relax for a while.” She leaned b...