Signs, Memories, and the Unexpected Power of Connection

It’s funny how sometimes life seems to send little signs that you’re on the right path.

Last week, I wrote about the passing of my uncle. Since starting these weekly blog posts, I often hit “send” and wonder if anyone is really listening to my ramblings. But this time, something felt different. Not only did I hear from over 30 people who said how touching the post was—but I received an email that truly stopped me in my tracks.

It came from someone I catered for over six years ago, when her mother passed away. She reached out not just with sincere condolences, but with beautiful memories of that meal—how thoughtful and comforting it was, and how much her mom would have appreciated it if she had been there. I’ll be honest: while I used to have a great memory, it’s getting harder to remember every event, every face. But knowing she still felt cared for all these years later—and took the time to write to me—meant more than I can say.

Then just a few days later, another small but meaningful sign came through an email. A woman reached out wanting a kugel for Mother’s Day. Her name sounded so familiar. She mentioned meeting me years ago, but something told me there was more to it. I called my dad to ask if he recognized her name, and sure enough—she had been a preschool teacher of mine (and my sister’s!) when we were little. She taught at JFCS Preschool, before it merged with the JCC’s to become Gan Ami.

I debated whether or not to call her back and share the connection. I’m so glad I did. We ended up reminiscing about those days and the people who shaped us, and she told me about all the fond memories she has from that time. She even said something that stuck with me—how easy it is to forget the impact you have on people’s lives.

I told her about the email I had just received, and we laughed and teared up over how these moments come full circle. She went on to say a lot of kind things about me, which I won’t repeat here because, truth be told, I’m not great at tooting my own horn.

But all of this reminded me why I do what I do. Food is more than a service—it’s memory, comfort, and connection. It weaves through our lives, linking us to people, places, and moments we may not even realize mattered so deeply.

As a community, we each play a part. And when all our pieces come together, we make something stronger, richer, and more meaningful.