Today I went to pick up an item from someone I didn’t know, and when I got there, was invited in and given a drink. While in the kitchen I noticed a picture magnet on the fridge of a young woman with Down syndrome. So naturally, I asked who she was.
Turns out it was the sister of the person whose home I was in, and because I was on a timeline I needed to get back home and couldn’t settle in for the long chat I’d have wanted to have. But I did tell her I would love to have that longer conversation sometime, and she told me she’d be happy to, telling me that her sister Tikva Juni was “amazing”, “a powerhouse” and a motivational speaker who has traveled across the US to speak. (You better believe I plan to speak to her parents, too!)
I was fortunate to find one of Tikva’s talks online. It is a powerful description of what it feels like to be different, and how others can make the world a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. It’s definitely worth your time!
Avivah
I had the privilege to teach Tikva and her seminary class CPR. I will always be grateful for how much Tikva and her classmates taught me! Tikva stood out as someone with limitless potential. Good for you Tikva!
Love that video. Saw it a number of years ago. Thanks for sharing again.
I started to write something the other day after watching the video, but I had soooo many thoughts flooding my mind , I wasnt sure what I wanted to express exactly.
express the amazing parents tikva has, to be able to support her and to get her to where she is now. amazing siblings I’m sure that treated her like one of them. and teachers, schools where they gave tikva a chance to show the world what she does best. I really stand in awe of tikva herself who kept on going to reach her goal, even when the outside world says don’t try. It would be an honor to hear tikva speak at a gathering here in jerusalem/beit shemesh/so we can all learn from her. (and I also love the maccabeats!)
I loved this video. Tikva is amazing.
Have you seen this song by Yaakov Shwekey? I think it puts into words what every mother who has a child who’s different feels.