Dear Friendship Circle of Crown Heights,
Just nine months ago we were blessed with our beloved Menachem Mendel. He was born with Down syndrome and a rare heart condition. We loved him dearly and try to give him the best we could. Although he was an adorable happy baby, he required constant care. We spend endless hours feeding him and we were often running back and forth to doctors and hospitals. It was during those impossible times that we got in contact with you.
We were so relieved when your volunteers came. They showed genuine love and care. It was gratifying to see how much they enjoyed Menachem Mendel and how eager they were to come again. That boost gave us extra strength to continue.
During his last hospitalizations you were there too. You took charge of all the offers we received and organized meals and volunteers so we wouldn’t be overburdened. You kept on asking us how the baby was doing and you kept abreast on his latest developments. You rejoiced when he was doing well and told others to say tehillim when he took a turn for the worst. In the mornings we could usually expect a phone call from you finding out how we were doing and what else we needed. We knew you were available any time of the day or night.
The volunteers kept on coming. Often time relieving us at night so we could get a good night’s sleep. It was beautiful to see how many teenagers were using their time positively. As we watch the dedicated volunteers come and go we were amazed at how many diverse types of people in our community were there to support us. Volunteers got their friends and family involved and before we knew it, it seemed as if the whole crown heights was davvening for him and assisting us in some way.
On chai Nissan, chol Hamoed Pesach, Menachem Mendel passed away. All though we can no longer see him, it is comforting to know that the goodness that you surrounded him with continues to live on.
With much appreciation,
Yudi and Rivky Browd
Menachem Mendel was so adorable. We are so sorry that he had to suffer, but it sounds like he brought many people a lifetime of love. Our thoughts are with you,
Lorri, Steve and Hannah Otis (Highland Park Chabad)
those girls are amazing keep up the good workkkkkkkkkkkk
queens n.y my dear yudi & rivky, we miss mendele so much, his sweet smile and personality.you both impressed us greatly with your bitachon in the difficult times and we are blessed having you as our children, it is with teary eyes that i reflect upon the last few months.that this lofty neshoma’le is a beautiful flower in the Aibershter’s garden to blum bekorov mamesh be’vias moshiach now!
may both of you find nichum in all the tehillim and good deeds that were done in his zchus
lots of brocha to all who helped them and esp to fcbrooklyn
Rivky I’m sure you and your husband were the most amazing parents. MM looks like such a special, beautiful child. May Hashem comfort you and bless you.
Well said
This makes me more sure than ever that I will join friendship circle as soon as I am able to. It is a beautiful organization, and I commend the efforts of all who are members.
what a wonderful community!
proud to be part of it
so sad yet so beautiful to witness how kind and caring people can make such a huge difference. my tears are flowing as I write these lines. such a sweet baby. May the parents know only joy from now on.
You inspire all those around you with your chesed fc is not a job for you it’s your life! I know how many hours and sleepless nights you put into helping the Browds. DONATE DONATE to the Friendship Circle if you do not get a call go to their website http://www.fcbrooklyn.com.
A PROUD VOLUNTEER!
Rivky,
Seeing pictures of Menachem Mendel makes me miss him so much more! May we see him soon with Moshiach! I love him. May Hashem bring you true comfort. May Hashem bless you guys for being truly devoted and loving parents to Menachem Mendel.
MC
always gave us a great time in camp.
may you know only happiness from now on
As one of the volunteers, I would like to say how the work of Chayla Eckhaus and Guggie Tzivin really inspired us, they went above and beyond what anyone could have even imagined.
May Hashem bench you both with all the Brochos.
Rivkie and Yudi I can’t even imagine what you are going through, he truly was a special neshama and I hope that Hashem gives you the Koyach to continue and find some comfort.
so sorry to hear about this may hashem comfort you
Menachem Mendel is smiling @ you……..for the many month’s that you put everything on hold……to help him (and his lovely parents) during these difficult time
your chesed-love and energy ……….is a shining example to entire shchunah.
Gugie you did it again!!
I was touched beyond words by your beautiful letter of appreciation. At a time when you are going through such difficult pain you thought of others and took the time to express your appreciation/ Beautiful act of Ahavas Yisroel, I was also happy to read how great our daughters, stuidents, sisters , nieces and friends are. It seems the internet is usually used for bashing and bad mouthing. What a pleasure because thats the truth. OUR girls ARE the BEST. Look for the best in someone . You will find it.
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you comfort and strength and you should know of no more sadness. I’m sure your son was amazing……
As a alumni of detroit mesivta I can only echo comment number 2.
What a beautiful comment! It made me shiver!
keep up your great work!!
Sk.
Amazing and sad story, but Menachem Mendel was a pure and Holy Neshuma who entered here clean and pure and left the same way.
Dear Yudi and Rivky,
How I wish I had words to comfort you with during Shiva….
May you only see open and revealed goodness from now on, and enjoy only Simchas and happy occasions.
A relative.
Yasher Koach to anyone who is willing to give of themselves, and help others. I own a caregiving business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, called “Guardian Caregivers” and I know what it means to care for others, my heart melts when I read this story. May Hashem give the parents the strength to endure.
What a beautiful baby. Now he’s the Aibishter’s cheder
such a special neshama! may hashem comfort you and may you know from no more sorrow.
A man responsible for making so many of us smile when we needed it more then anything.
He should have his turn to smile soon……..
May the G-d Almighty give you the strength you need at this time, we are all Dave ing for you and giving tzedokah in memory of your precious baby Menachem Mendel.