Dear Chaya Bruchy   

I remember feeling very scared about the pregnancy. I wasn’t at peace. I decided to do more — I accepted numerous kabbalos as a zechus for myself and you. I started davening Minchah as a zechus for your safe arrival, and I continued until way after your birth.

I remember how the doctors scared me with an irregularity that came up on a sonogram, saying you might be born early and small. You weren’t; you were four days overdue, and a hefty almost-nine pounds.

I remember your arrival. It was a long, 12-hour labor before you were born. You cried so loudly, even the nurses kept watching you.

You were born at 5:14 p.m., and I remember davening Minchah when you were just a few minutes old, not wanting to miss the opportunity to thank Hashem that we were both safe.