Ima

If you have the opportunity to build someone up instead of taking them down, choose to build that person up (unless the person is attacking you or a dangerous criminal).

When choosing a spouse, consider using the Hebrew phrase "כיסו, כוסו וכעסו" (his pockets, his cup, and his anger) as your guide in avoiding dangerous or toxic individuals. (Is the person generous or miserly? What is this person’s relationship with alcohol and how do they behave if/when inebriated? Do they have a harmful addiction? Does this person have a nasty temper? How do they treat you when they get angry?)

People enter and exit your life. The only thing that is forever is God. When all else fails, do not hesitate to reach out to Him. When the Bible says "Love your fellow person as yourself," it does not mean do for the other person precisely what you would want done for you (just because you like chocolate chip cookies doesn’t mean they do); it means just as you would want someone to discern your individual needs and help the best she can, you should try to discern other people’s individual needs and act accordingly to improve their situation.

Love, Mom

P.S. (for your mom!) Don’t wake a sleeping baby.

When you fear that your heart is already exploding with love for your first child, know that your heart defies nature by miraculously expanding to accommodate the tremendous love that every new child brings.