If you know M.E., you know Donna.
I’ll never forget when Erik and M.E. were at the hospital getting ready to welcome Laina. That afternoon, I had been helping keep Elliot entertained after school, and later that night, Donna called me. She was really worried about M.E. being in the hospital and everything that could happen with the delivery. I could hear it in her voice, so I did my best to reassure her, reminding her that everything would be okay.
After about ten minutes of me talking, trying to calm her down, she gently interrupted me and said, “Deepa, has anyone ever told you that you have a beautiful voice? You should be on the radio.”
In that moment, everything shifted. Somehow, instead of me comforting her, she ended up lifting me in a way I didn’t even realize I needed. What started as a call filled with her worry turned into her giving me the most unexpected encouragement.
I remember hanging up feeling lighter—like I was seen, appreciated, and truly cared for. She had this incredible way of turning even the smallest moments into something meaningful, always making people feel special without even trying.
I’ll always carry that kindness with me.