In 1995, I discovered I had two brain tumours. The process of having them removed went on for about three years. It was a long and drawn-out time, wondering whether or not I was going to die.

Twice I should have died in car accidents when both my cars were written off. I was completely unhurt; the cello was completely unhurt, too. A complete miracle.

A trip to a Macedonian refugee camp that I switched out of, to go at a later date. Those who took my place were killed in a horrific car accident.

When I was drinking, there were many times when I was out for the night and didn’t come back for a week.

My father’s death before my marriage and motherhood.

As someone who didn’t waste a minute.

A midwife named Jennie Joseph. She is a tireless activist for women, family health and equal access to quality maternity care.

The fact that at least 300,000 women die every year from pregnancy and childbirth-related issues that are largely preventable.

Before kids, when I was 13 or so, on the back of my horse, running at full speed in an open pasture. Post kids, happiness happens often, but in more subtle ways. I now prefer the word “content”.

To strangers. Living in New York, I see individuals every day who are invisible to so many. I want to say sorry that so many of us think their pain and suffering is not our own.