Caroline Cobrin

Goodbye, my almost

Published on April 3, 2008

In an earlier column I talked about the differences between an "almost" and a "beshert," and how I will always have a special place in my heart for that "almost" who helped me to find myself and the person that I'm supposed to be with. What I realize now is that as time goes by, my "almost," just like nearly every memory of old friendships, is starting to fade in importance.

Almost . . .

Published on November 22, 2007

As time passes, the memories that you built with your "almost" lose their tainted nature, and you can once again smile at them. Life changes, and before you know it, you walk around the corner and into the arms of your "beshert," and all you can wish for is that all of your "almosts" will find theirs as well. So while I'm sitting around with my family this Thanksgiving, I'll be sure to add a silent thank you to all of my "almosts," as they helped me find what I've been searching for.

Delilah drives me wild

Published on October 11, 2007

Hello, my name is Caroline, and I am in love with my car ... there I've said it.

Let’s play horsie!

Published on March 1, 2007

I’ll try it!

Published on October 5, 2006

The thing about reaching "I'll try it" is that you are daring to imagine that things can work out for the best, and that you can add another activity to the list of common likes.

A Phone Call from our Late Tante Mina

Published on August 17, 2006

Mysticism, for my family, and I think for most people as well, usually shows itself through nature.

To Tell the Truth

Published on July 6, 2006

A little embellishment here and there isn't so bad -- creativity and a sense of humor are always great things. But there are just certain things that you should never lie about.

The Aftermath

Published on April 27, 2006

I had prepped my boyfriend for what he was going to encounter. From a Hebrew 101 lesson the night before, to a quick 1-2-3 seder crash course in the car ride over.

Not Supposed to Be This Way

Published on April 6, 2006

"I really loved your story," Tante Mina said to me in a nearly inaudible gasp. She looked at me and it gave me hope, for her eyes still held that sparkle, that fight, that desire to live. As I walked out of the critical care unit of the hospital to let the next family member into the room, I had no way of knowing that those would be the last words I would hear her speak.

Then Came the Boyfriend

Published on March 23, 2006

With Passover around the corner, singletons everywhere are faced with a tough choice. Do you bring the person you're dating to the family seder? Or do you simply wish him or her a "chag sameach" and go off to your separate family celebrations. At the beginning of relationships we all face the issue of the timeline: How soon is too soon for the inevitable family Shabbat dinner invitation? After you become an official couple does that mean that your significant other is now automatically invited to all family events?

The Leah Doll

Published on March 16, 2006

Tante Mina sat on her couch and slowly tore away the wrapping. When the paper fell and she saw the porcelain doll her nieces had molded, painted and dressed for her, her breath caught in her throat and she let out a little gasp. As Tante Mina continued to stare at the doll, Mali, my mother, told her 81-year-old aunt about the next step.