Give a listen... What a blessing, Kinahora

My grandmother, Ida, was a consistent nurturer and protector in my life. Since my parents did not yet have their own place when I was born, her home was my first. And because my mother had surgery and a lengthy hospital stay after my birth, Grandmom started off as my primary caregiver.

Family stories have it that Grandmom placed a colorful ribbon in my baby carriage and stroller to ward off evil spirits. As whenever anyone remarked “what a beautiful child” or “look at those dimples!” she would respond with a phrase that sounded like “Kin A’Horra” Actually, it is short for the Yiddish phrase Ka...