Today I had an MRI

‍Today I had an MRI.

As panic of the dark, small space and loud, jarring noises crept in, I found myself thinking of the tunnel in Hostage Square.

And then my thoughts immediately turned to the hostages themselves.

I wished that they too could have a warm blanket, a rubber ball to squeeze when the fear became too much, and a comforting voice in their ear, assuring them that they were doing great and it would all be over soon.

When the table slid out of the dark space, perfectly timed with the single tear that slid down my cheek, the tech told me it was all over and there was no reason to cry.

I sent out my most fervent prayer yet…that one day, soon, these words will be true.

About the Author

Kerry Newman is the Assistant Director for Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives at UJA-Federation of New York. Her team is responsible for raising funds for a variety of UJA's signature initiatives. As part of her role, Kerry works with a team of writers to share the needs and opportunities facing the New York and global Jewish communities. She has worked in the Jewish Communal field for more than 20 years, previously as a Hillel professional. She is a native New Yorker, and now lives in Sharon, MA with her husband and two teenage sons.