As we enter the month of June, a month known for marriages and graduations, celebrations and rites of passage, as cities start to reopen, with people struggling to find work, reconnect safely, feed their families, see their loved ones, mourn humanely and protect the most vulnerable – their health and human rights, it’s an important time for us to consider our passages through life and this pandemic in particular. I have two stories to share with you today:  my own and my daughter (and Sweet … [Read more...]

Isabella

Today we celebrate Isabella as she prepares to graduate from the Nightingale-Bamford School and move on to Yale when the school year starts. A beacon for her generation and a beloved and dedicated Sweet Reader and Young Leader, Isabella will be sorely missed.  Please join me in celebration of Isabella’s important rite of passage and be inspired by some of her beautiful impact over the years. Isabella first came to my attention when she volunteered to be a 7thgrade Sweet Reader. From her … [Read more...]

Ella

This period of uncertainty has been a passage for all of us. We have had to adapt and change with this unprecedented time. Passages affect each of us differently, but one thing is always the same we come out changed. Our world will forever be changed by this experience as will our understanding and appreciation of our health care workers, essential workers, and community organizations. With times of sadness comes bravery and unity. Passages give us a choice to be gracious, positive, and better. … [Read more...]