As we dabbed our eyes with tissues, I whispered to the mother sitting in front of me, “Who would’ve thunk, when our kids were first diagnosed…”

Luzee has a homework folder. When he comes home from school we remove his homework sheets and when he’s done doing them, they go right back into the folder.

Each year in the United States, approximately 50 to 60 children are born with 5p- Syndrome (five p minus), also known as Cat Cry Syndrome or Cri du Chat Syndrome. 5p- Syndrome is characterized at birth by a high-pitched cry, low birth weight, poor muscle tone, microcephaly, and potential medical complications.

It was a particularly hectic time in my life – the week before Pesach, and my oldest son was engaged to be married right after Shavuos. He had just come home from yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel. With a full-time job, I was racing against the clock to have my Pesach ready.

Yeshiva Bonim Lamokom’s annual Shabbaton at the Raleigh Hotel is truly the highlight of the year. It’s a weekend for students and staff to enjoy and bond in a beautiful Shabbos setting with lots of spirituality and fun for all.

Oftentimes things are orchestrated in Shomayim without our knowledge – things like bringing my youngest sister, who was born with Down syndrome, to Brooklyn to be near family.

Dear Counselor Yanky: Welcome to what I am sure will be a fantastic summer! Rabbi Klein cannot do anything less than superb, even if he tries…

Sarah Sander asked me to write a few words. I could not refuse her. Life is so hectic and unsettled at the moment and to concentrate on putting thoughts on paper is a challenge. Four years ago, on the 26th of Sivan, our daughter, our sweetheart, Chaya Rivkah was born with Down syndrome.

My husband and I attended a Shabbaton a couple of months ago. The theme of this Shabbaton was not related to special needs at all. On Motzei Shabbos, during Melave Malka, one of the weekend’s most dynamic speakers got up to give his closing remarks.