1. How are you – Before my son Ariel z”l ended his own life some nine years ago; this was such a simple and often irrelevant question. I understood that most people were asking in a superficial way and it was fine if I responded in kind. Now, the question is fraught with meaning. Are people asking me “stam,” in a cordial and polite manner? Or do they really want to know how I’m doing? How am I coping? How did I Ride Through? If it’s the latter, how can I possibly respond with intent when people ask me passing me on the street or when I’m having a cup of coffee at a restaurant? I often just say, “It’s complicated.” Because it is. And I need time to share in a meaningful way, but I am keenly aware that people are in a rush and don’t have the bandwidth to listen to complicated stories. Life in Israel is sufficiently complicated as it is. I am open to sharing, but not on the run and I certainly do not want to become a burden or someone to avoid.

2. How do I get up in the morning – I stand up one foot at a time. I never hit the snooze button........

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