A Letter to my Five Sons

July 14, 2025
9:28 PM

Dear Harry, Frank, Max, Sam and Louie, 

My 78th birthday is fast approaching, hence this letter.

When I look back at the many things I have experienced in life, I am filled with such gratitude for the opportunities for adventure and engagement and challenge that have come my way:

My weekly column, which began 38 years agoMy stint as the managing editor of my hometown Jewish newspaper, The American IsraeliteMy radio show – Sunday Nights with IrisMy two books: Slices, Bites and Other Facts of Life with your grandmother and The Secret Life of a Weight Obsessed Woman My motivational speaking career And, at present, my forming a company, PYB LLC, to upcycle jean jackets for both funky and not-so-funky women

BUT, of all the many hats I have worn, none has consistently provided me with more pride, more joy and more sheer pleasure (and more angst and more aggravation and more worry!) than raising the five of you. 

I have closely watched each of you dig deep to mine your potential, face challenges that could have easily shattered others and, in doing so, methodically carve-out your own individual path. You have worked diligently, hard and smart. And, in the process, you have matured into men that any mother – anywhere – would be proud of.

I ‘d like to take ALL the credit for the fine men you have become, but that is not possible. Throughout your formative years, you were molded, influenced, guided and mentored by a plethora of wise, kind and remarkably scrappy people – your fathers, your grandparents, your aunts, your uncles, your cousins and, of course, each other. (However, I do take some credit, you can be sure!)

On this birthday, I am making you a promise that I will continue to do all in my power to remain healthy, vital, engaged and independent. You are all way too busy to be dealing with caring for me. 

In return, however, I am asking each of you to do two things for me on my birthday: 

Please write me a note about something I don’t know about you – maybe an experience that you had, maybe a dream you hold close, maybe a philosophy that resonates with you or a quote that inspires you. And send it! Please take an intention that you have not followed through on and put in the time, thought and effort to set it in motion and keep it going. Please pick something that will enhance either your physical, emotional or mental health. And please share your Good Intention Journey with me.

Many kisses, massive hugs and much love,

PS: I apologize for not being the greatest cook, never learning how to iron and, at times, being maddeningly illogical. 

PSS: I am sending each of you a copy of this letter in the mail because I know most of you rarely read my newsletter.