by Dr. Ken Druck
Since the sudden death of my daughter, Jenna, in 1996, the notion that “life turns on a dime” has been about loss, and an unspeakable sorrow. I know firsthand that everything in life changes when you lose a child, partner, sibling, or parent, and it changes forever.
Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the honor of working with people whose lives were obliterated by murderous acts of terrorism. Helping those whose loved ones were brutally and savagely murdered on 9/11; or at Columbine, Sandy Hook, Boston, and Las Vegas, I know that the shock wears off, and the reality sets in that our lives as we knew them are over. Standing in the ashes of Plan A, we summon the strength, faith, and courage to go on and begin living Plan B.
Last Tuesday, my daughter, Stefie, and her husband, Tony, introduced me to their twin sons only minutes after they were born. Holding them for the first time, and looking into the eyes of my grandsons, I knew that life had turned on a dime. Once again, everything had changed. Forever. Flooded with unspeakable joy, my heart smiled. I was beholding a miracle and the tears of joy flowed.
There is nothing more amazing we can do as human beings than to make other human beings. And now there were two new little boys taking their places in our hearts and family. Forever. Watching my daughter, Stefie, become a mother and son-in-law, Tony become a father—and holding my grandsons on my chest —will go down as one of the great and wondrous moments and blessings of my life. Yes, life does turn on a dime. In both directions.