Looking Back Through 5774

I look back on this year in disbelief....
So much has occurred; many life choices have been made. It was definitely a year filled with "Firsts"!
To list just a few, one for each year of my life:
1) I started a business: Dovid's Documents.
2) I went to Israel for 3 MONTHS!
3) I made 48 new siblings - people who helped me in a way i can NEVER repay; people who helped me become who I truly am!
4) I wrote a 27 page booklet entitled: Thought. Dream. Reality.
5) I became involved with Hillel of Metro Detroit.
6) Became Secretary of the Oakland Community College - Jewish Student Organization.
7) Was promoted to President of said organization.
8) Began writing my book: Long Live Which King
9) Started blogging once more: asoulspeakstoyou.blogspot.com
10) Had my introduction to a huge next stage in my life.
11) Am less than a year away from receiving my Associates in Liberal Arts.
12) Begun my application process to the college of my dreams: Michigan State University!
13) Had the courage to be who I am, regardless of thoughts, stares, or whispers.
14) Had a Bar Mitzvah in Israel.
15) Learned 5 different ways a true leader acts.
16) Had an article published in the Detroit Jewish News.
17) Begun learning Chassidus with my 2 oldest nieces; and begun making a Chassidus Workbook.
18) Davened by King David, my namesake, and many other holy people I have heard stories of my entire childhood.
19) Learned to love life for life itself, and to simply make the best of it.

A Priceless Gift

A Priceless Gift
By Dovid Nissan Roetter
(Dedicated to my Taglit-Birthright group, Hillel Bus 1147)

When you feel down, they know how to make you smile.
When things seem wrong, they know how to change it.
When life is overloaded, they know how to ease the work.
When you feel scared and helpless, they know how to comfort you.

You met them just the other day; already you are family.
You can't remember their first name; they hug you nonetheless.
You are shocked at the love they show; it touches you to the core.
You are not judged in the slightest; instead they only help you grow.

A Birthright group is more than just friends.
A Birthright group is not bound by location.
A Birthright group is there no matter what or when.
A Birthright group is a level of family that no one else can reach.

Taglit is more than just a trip.
Taglit is a priceless gift.
Taglit is a way of life.
Taglit is our destiny.

I can never thank you all enough for the life you helped me find.
I can never forget the lessons you have taught me.
I can never forget how you accepted me openly.
I can never forget how you refused to give up on me.

Israel may be far away.
Israel may be but a hope.
Israel may be just a memory.
Israel may be scary at times.
But Israel is what gave me you as my family.