What I Remember: A Heartfelt Tribute to Our Son, Christopher
This week's newsletter: A reflection on love and loss + My Interview on the YouTube show The CEO Series + My opinion letter in the Washington Post + A writing group invitation
This week, our son Christopher is on my mind. We lost him nine years ago on October 22nd, 2015. I recently attended a writing session offered through The New York Society Library with Esther Cohen, an author, poet, teacher, and cultural activist. She created a beautiful, safe space for our group to write and reflect on our lives.
The prompt Esther gave us was: What I Remember.
My reflection is deeply personal, and before you read it, please note that it contains content about infant death. If you've experienced a similar loss or find these topics difficult, please scroll down to the next section of the newsletter.
Here’s what I wrote:
What I Remember.
I remember the way you made me feel. A sensation of hope and love like I never could have imagined. My skin stretching was the physical manifestation of my heart becoming bigger. Just the two of us in the car—I loved how you danced when I sang. How you kicked at night when all was still. I loved dreaming about what life would be like when you arrived.
And then you arrived, and it was nothing like we had planned. Urgent, scary, painful. We didn’t know what to say when the nurse brought you to us. It felt creepy to hold you. It feels awful to admit that. No one prepares you to hold a lifeless baby.
Blood was caked in your hair, yet you looked peaceful. You had Grandpa Buffa’s cleft chin.
They say your cells still live inside of me, which gives me comfort because after nine years, my c-section scar is fading, and I want to stay close to you forever.
If you’re interested in joining Esther’s next workshop on November 14th at 2 pm Eastern, you can participate whether you’re a member of the library or not. Non-members are asked to make a $15 donation to attend. The session is held remotely over Zoom.
THE CEO SERIES WITH RON THOMAS
From my time at Martha Stewart's empire to advocating for reproductive rights, my career has evolved in meaningful ways over the past 20+ years. This week, I joined Ron Thomas on his program, The CEO Series, to discuss my professional journey. We explored corporate innovation, the challenges of trailblazing in established organizations, and my current work writing and advocating for reproductive rights. Watch it on YouTube to hear insights on leadership, adaptability, and creating impact both in business and society.
MY OPINION PIECE FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
Earlier this week, I sent a newsletter sharing an opinion piece I wrote for The Washington Post on the importance of voting for Harris/Walz if you care about access to IVF.
If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a link to the letter or you can zoom into the photo above to read it.
Take Two: TGI-Fly
I’ll be hosting the TGI-Fly prompt writing session again this Friday, October 25th at 6:30 am Eastern.
Everyone is welcome!
6:30 am Dial in. Please be on time, late arrivals disrupt the flow.
Have your camera on—it helps create connection and community. Leave your makeup off—it’s too early.
(5 mins) Hello. Welcome. Names/locations in the chat.
Cameras off.
(5 minutes) Reading.
(12 minutes) Writing.
Cameras on.
(8 minutes) Share if you’d like to.
At 7 am sharp, we’ll sign off.
You don’t need to sign up to join; you can simply dial into the Zoom link below on Friday at 6:30 am Eastern.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78738122012?pwd=riXIVg0EQUe5WVEmgpQPQrbO2z1HC7.1
You can add your name to the TGI-Fly sign-up list to receive a calendar invitation to join.
Pajamas welcome.
Spread the word!
Words of the Week
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” —Oscar Wilde
Photo of the Week
One of the great pleasures of New York City is that there is always something new to discover. Last night, I attended a book launch party in Greenwich Village for several writers, including Charles Bock whose memoir, I Will Do Better, was published this month. After the event, we were invited to the rooftop, where I captured the Washington Square Arch from above—the stark white marble illuminated against the darkness of the park is stunning, isn’t it?
The name of your newsletter so perfectly captures your essence. I love reading about your inspirational flight and how you do it so bravely. I’m so sorry for your heart-wrenching loss. Congratulations on getting published…again. Thank you for sharing.