Mom,
I am standing here today and I still cannot believe that this tragedy has hit our family. It was so sudden, and so much sooner than we ever imagined. There was still so much we were looking forward to experiencing together, and now you are gone. When Yoni and I shared the news of our engagement, you were so thrilled; you told us that we couldn’t possibly know how much that news meant to you, and the hope it gave you during such difficult times.
Over the last few months, I truly enjoyed planning the wedding with you from afar. It was the highlight of my day -talking about the vision and the details of the upcoming celebration. It is so hard to imagine that day finally arriving without you there by my side.
Growing up in Ramot, you were quite the celebrity. Everyone knew and loved Gail. Whenever someone found out I was your daughter, they would tell me how special you were and how lucky I was. And I truly was – I won the “mom lottery.” I am so grateful to have had you as my mother all these years. You taught me so much about the values of family, friendship, and kindness.
I promise to cherish every memory of the fun we had together: the Shabbat dinners, birthdays, and holidays you organized; our summers in Tulsa; the shopping trips and restaurants; the amazing journeys we took around the world; and even the simple, quiet moments of relaxing at home. You always knew how to make me feel loved, helping me in every way possible and going above and beyond just to see me happy.
Though you did not have biological grandchildren, you opened your heart to so many children and treated them as your own. Your devotion to your friends, your passion for quilting, and your care for Abba and our family were what gave your days meaning. Even then, you insisted on giving back – cooking for soldiers and creating quilts for those who lost their homes in Kibbutz Nir Oz. You always had a heart for giving.
It is so hard to imagine life without you. I know the last few years were incredibly difficult. Between the horrific war and the loss of your dearest friends, life just wasn’t the same for you anymore. The pain became too much to bear.
Now, it is time for you to rest in peace. Although my heart is broken and will never truly be the same, I want you to know that your legacy lives on in us, and we will honor it forever.
I love you, and I miss you already.