Tibetan bowl

Dora Helwig

I am officially a Davidji Masters of Wisdom certified meditation teacher. For the first time in my life, I had a graduation celebration—it felt like I was receiving a college degree. I never went to college, so this was a big milestone for me. I celebrated with a BBQ surrounded by family and friends, and I announced something else I’m proud of: my website is now live. Now I am going to go back in time to December when I announce that I was going get my meditation teaching certification, very few people knew I was doing this. One of the few people was dora. Man where do I begin…. Where do I begin with Dora? She was a beloved figure in the Far Rockaway community. Her son is my husband's best friend, and the first time I met her was likely at her birthday, in her backyard overlooking the peaceful Rockaway Bay. From that very first moment, she made me and my family feel welcome.From being at my wedding to watching my daughter grow. We travel together. She was a pioneer—an independent woman I admired deeply. I never had the chance to have a relationship with my own mother-in-law, but if I had, I imagine it would’ve been just like what Dora had with her daughter-in-law.

Over the years, we became more than friends—we became family. We spent many holidays together. Last christmas I told her that I was going become a meditation teacher and she was curious and wanted to hear more. Our last visit with dora was an emotional visit because I knew it was our last and I knew how much we meant to her especially our daughter. I notice in her room she had a Tibetan bowl and when I told her about my meditation teaching and hope to one day buy a bowl. She ask me to use hers so she can hear but the nerves got to me. Before I left I made a joke that I would like that bowl, little did that know that on my graduation I would be gifted with that same bowl that was hers. It is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

To dora I know you are swimming and hosting parties wherever you are right now. I hope my mother in law Gena welcome you with open arms and the two of you are family now just like your sons are. Every time I play your bowl.your vibration—your love—ripples out into the world through sound and spirit.