Very insightful, as always. But may I point out something I disagree with you on. Actually, you left out an important word early on when you said: "Neither Lauren nor I grew up in homes where children received blessings." That word is "formal". You two may never have received formal blessings, but you two, were, hopefully and likely, brought up in good, stable homes with love. To me that is a blessing given by your family even if they are not putting their hands on your heade. And this is not to be taken for granted (of course, all families have issues; none are perfect. But, hopefully, your upbringings had love and purpose).
Very insightful, as always. But may I point out something I disagree with you on. Actually, you left out an important word early on when you said: "Neither Lauren nor I grew up in homes where children received blessings." That word is "formal". You two may never have received formal blessings, but you two, were, hopefully and likely, brought up in good, stable homes with love. To me that is a blessing given by your family even if they are not putting their hands on your heade. And this is not to be taken for granted (of course, all families have issues; none are perfect. But, hopefully, your upbringings had love and purpose).
B'shalom,
Marc Karell