Seven years ago on April 6 at 1:14 PM, our exquisite Jazz (Jasmine Rue Seelig Sugerman) was born in a bathtub in Bali, delivered into the hands of magnificent Robin Lim, midwife to the babies of the world, one year later the CNN Hero of the Year. (Please see Yayasan Bumi Sehat.) I was honored to be in that bathroom when Jazz was born as Ibu Robin told my son, Evan, to speak to her so his voice would be the first she ever heard. Marcelle, her mama, was luminous with love for her baby. Marcelle’s mother, Miriam Seelig, was chanting Hebrew prayers. Candles were burning. The bathtub was filled with frangipani flowers. Through my tears, I saw the ghosts of my ancestors, lost in the Holocaust, gathered in the corner of the room, welcoming this new life with such great joy. I was lucky to be the third person to hold Jazz, as she still reminds me. Being a part of such a miracle is still, today, the most memorable moment of my life. In the coming days, Jazz was blessed with ceremonies and graced us with her beatific smile. Today, seven years later, she continues to grace us with her beauty, great love, kindness and hilarious laughter. I love you, Jazz, more than I can ever say. I’ve loved you every moment of your life. And today I wish you the happiest of birthdays — all the way across the 8,000 miles that divide us (physically) while I am always with you, as you are always with me.
Linda Schreyer 