For years I didn’t really appreciate that Nechama Avigayil was really an orphan. True, her father died before she was even born, but her mother remarried shortly afterward. Nechama Avigayil grew up with two loving parents and a houseful of siblings.

Yet her refrain is, “If a person loses a hand at the age of six months, is it fine because they grow up without ever knowing what it is like to have two hands?”  Yes, it is true she has a beautiful relationship with her stepfather. But as she grew older the questions plagued her: Who was her father? What characteristics did she inherit from him? What was he like as a son and brother? There is something in her life that she’s missing, and she always felt it.

Hearing her speak has given me clarity. She was born an orphan and grew up as an orphan, even as she is grateful for the wonderful childhood and relationships she has.

To hear her perspective click here >>>