I was almost angry. You’re a human being, for goodness’ sake! No one looks like this after having a crazy morning!

Her sheitel was a little more than slightly askew.

Her high cheekbones were flushed, and she was panting heavily. But she was glowing.

Our teacher was 25 minutes late to Navi class, and we were thrilled.

Wait. She was glowing.

Mrs. Heller flung her bag over the desk, straightened her glasses, and leaned against the board. “Today,” she began, “was the day I learned how much work I still need to do in This World.”

We sighed. So nobody got engaged?!

And thus began the story of her morning. Her five youngsters needed to get to school. They missed the school bus by an eighth of a minute. Nachi counted! The car that wouldn’t start. A taxi that finally showed up. A garbage truck decided that collecting garbage on 49th street at nine in the morning was the greatest thing ever. So five little monkeys and their one harried mother were behind the truck, stuck. The whole saga ended with her showing up at the time that she did.

“So… you’re smiling because…?” Chaya ventured. Brave girl.

Mrs. Heller didn’t even blink. “Because none of it was in my control.”

Are you serious? I was almost angry. You’re a human being, for goodness’ sake! No one looks like this after having a crazy morning!