Chanie Nayman

While it’s true that Hashem put every creature on this earth for a good reason, that doesn’t mean I need to host them. Especially when they live rent-free, and then sublet to the grandkids. Of course, I speak of pigeons. These are not noble birds, but rodents with wings. And they are about as welcome as a mosquito in your bedroom at 2 a.m. on a Shabbos night. Full disclosure: I have a personal vendetta.

Sometimes I think Hashem gave me Kayla because He wanted to show me that I’m actually not the worst mother in the world. A necessary reminder before Sarala hit the scene, because there are only so many times you can say or do the wrong thing before you start thinking, Well, it must be me. But then I’ll look at Kayla for reassurance, my beautiful, glowing kallah meidel, with that just-back-from-sem glow.