Rachel takes over Shabbat

A former colleague of mine wrote a book about Bruce Springsteen, the first one in 25 years with Bruce's cooperation. It has gotten a lot of buzz. I'm friends with the colleague's wife, Sarah, who has made a point of inviting me to her husband Peter's publicity parties, one of which I can't go to because I'll be overseas. So...on Friday I decided to attend his book reading at Powell's. I figure I could make an appearance and then leave quickly to have Shabbat dinner with Drew and Rachel.

I got home just as they were finishing up, but by eating fast I was able to have dessert with all of them. Drew said that Rachel had picked out the candles and put them in the candle holders, and SHE SAID THE BLESSING ALL BY HERSELF. And, best of all, she added her own blessing! It went like this:

"Bless Mommy, bless Daddy, bless Grandma and Grandpa, bless PopPop, bless Uncle David, bless Auntie Anne and bless Grandma Jean."