Bat Mitzvah: A Coming of Age Celebration
Celebrating with the Thomas Family
Life is so amazing and full of such exciting experiences.
I can imagine that there are many things that each of us want to do in life. I know I do!
On my list was to be invited to a Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah.
It took me well into adulthood but thanks to the Thomas family, I was honored to attend the amazing celebration for their daughter, Lana.
Lana is an amazing young girl and a friend of my daughter Sammie.
Lana Thomas is a friend of my daughter
The Thomas family was so gracious they not only included me and Sammie. But, they also invited my sweet niece, Iman, who was visiting from Chicago.
The celebration moved my heart in so many ways. I loved the beautiful passages from the Torah and simply amazed by Lana herself.
The speeches from her parents struck me the most, especially from Lana’s father Ray. Tears started flowing down my eyes when he had to take great pauses, to stop his own tears. Ray, like a proud dad, expressed his great love for his daughter.It was apparent Lana’s poise and preparation had his heart swelling with pride.
With Adeline Richardson (who I fondly refer to as my adopted daughter), Sammie, and my niece Iman.
Ray is Catholic and said this was also his first Bat Mitzvah! He said the celebration even surpassed his expectations. Ray said he was just overwhelmed by the love and the joy that filled the room for his daughter.
His lovely wife, Melody, thanked her husband for his beautiful speech. Melody then shared touching stories of when the couple first found out they were pregnant with their first child, their daughter.
As I sat in the audience, wishing for a tissue, it also reminded my this was what life is about: family, friends, love. Cherish every minute.
Me and my daughter Sammie
Lana does have a little brother it will be a while before he will have his celebration but you can be certain it will be just as amazing as the one for Lana. I am so again humbled and flattered that I was invited to such an amazing ceremony.
Those interested in learning more on this celebration I have attached this link: