I pinched myself. Could it be that the entire Shafer crew is cooperating, smiling— and genuinely happy? Could it be that our family portrait is not a complete farce?
“Let’s go, guys, keep moving!” I said in my best cheerleader voice, throwing baby wipes, winkies, and dollar chatchkes into my hopelessly bulging bag.
It was Shushan Purim, and we were going for a family portrait. The idea? Kill two birds with one stone: provide vacation day activity + delight photo-craving grandparents.
I was proud of my efforts: The kids were freshly bathed, sporting coordinating Gymboree outfits, shiny Italian loafers (yay for 50 percent off sales!), and matching accessories. Not quite Kayla-level perfection — I’d long given up on such ambitions — but not too shabby, either.
I’d also prepared the kids emotionally, describing how the process worked, and what would be expected of them. “If you find yourself feeling upset or antsy tomorrow, what do you think we can do?” I’d asked Shira during bedtime, stroking her back. “What strategy might help?”
This one’s in print. Some of our best stories live in the magazine — subscribe to get Mishpacha every week.
