Sharon’s Blogging!

November 21, 2023

 Shortly after I published my book, I received a heartfelt email from Lilach, a woman with Lithuanian roots. Her history is traced back to Memel (Klaipeda) where her mother was born — the same city my family had fled just before the onset of the Holocaust. We arranged to meet at a local coffee shop, where several hours disappeared while we chatted.

Lilach had spent her first years in Lithuania before moving to Israel at the age of ten — and she shared her story with me. We chatted about the process of my book, discussing the pains, ghosts, and rewards weaved into my writing process.  She understood. We talked about our religious beliefs, and although we were both proud of our Jewish heritage — we were not practicing Jews.

It became apparent that Lilach mirrored my younger self – a single parent totally devoted to her two boys, Oliver and Jasper. Having raised two girls, Heather and Sarah, on my own, I instantly connected with Lilach's world.

Lilach’s strength and resilience echoed my own , both of us balancing parenthood and personal pursuits. We spoke a silent language of shared challenges and successes, the understanding that comes from walking similar paths. Our understanding of each other was undeniable; and I could feel a life long bond of friendship begin to take seed.

Meeting Lilach is one of the many treasures that came to me after I stepped out of my comfort zone to tell my story through my book, Beach Moose & Amber. I am truly blessed.