My cousin Helene, Norman's daughter, tragically passed away last Wednesday. As I reflect through this heartbreaking loss, my memories take me back to meeting her when Norman and Mara were married in my parents house. She was bright and beautiful with a big smile.   Helene had a great voice and even sang at my wedding reception. When we had her over our house for an evening, we all sang as she played the piano like a pro. We laughed and smiled all night.  

Do you remember the 1987 movie of John Updike's above entitled novel?A brief summary: Jack Nicholson is cast as the male lead with dynamic costars Cher, Michele Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon cast as unknowing witches living together in a coven into which Jack wanders. I just love the send up and can't help casting myself and my three female partners Joan Rothermel, Jane Jacobs and Nancy Schess into this scenario.  After all, I am most fortunate to be situated as the only male partner practicing in our most unique boutique Labor and Employment law firm. 

"Please silence your cellphones." An often-repeated admonition that has become part of our everyday lives. Sometimes heeded, sometimes not.

A story of change... A three-alarm fire ripped through an empty, landmarked synagogue on the Lower East Side Sunday night, according to the FDNY. Nearly 140 firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control for about five hours, from p.m. to shortly after midnight.

  I carry them with me.

Recently I sat in the middle seat on a cross county flight, between my husband who had the aisle seat and a stranger who had the widow seat. Several times during the flight the channel on the television I was watching unexpectedly changed. After the second time, I realized the channel changed because the stranger next to me had put his arm on the armrest where the television controls were located.  

Happy Mother’s Day to the all moms, especially the three most important ones in my life.  

Being the guy in the hospital bed, you gain a unique perspective. A little over two years ago, I was that guy.   Recently, my brother-in-law was that guy. He had a heart attack, got a stent and is doing fine. We talked about "being in the bed" when I saw him last weekend. We both had the same reaction.   When you're in the bed it's your reality. You're not wondering, just feeling. It's your friends, family and loved ones that are in emotional trauma because they don't know what to think. Fear of the unkown.