Far too much time has passed since you left us, Danielle. Time stands still, and nothing is the same anymore. The pain refuses to die, and longing for you intensifies with each passing second during this period of time that makes no sense.  You simply up and left us, Danielle, abandoning us all with a giant, agonizing void in our hearts, with hearts that will never be whole again.

Finishing our amazing year of National Service with Ezer Mi’Zion, you told our sensational group of six that we’ll never part, that we’ll always remain close friends, friends forever. Even when we’re old, gray, and wrinkled, we’ll continue hanging out together and fooling around like only we knew how to do. And that’s what happened. You didn’t let a day go by without making sure that we kept in touch, that we all spoke. You were always the one initiating parties and reunions, and you were always the one ensuring that everyone showed up. Any time you planned a get-together that ultimately fell through, you’d write me, “Naammmmmmaaaaaa, my princess, we’ll still have lots of opportunities to meet…” Oh, I wish that were true, Danielle. If only things were different…

The bond we’d forged during our year with Ezer Mi’Zion grew stronger with each passing day, and our friendship and love continued deepening. I love you so much, Danielle. We all love you so much.  There isn’t a person in the world who feels anything toward you but love. You child of love. The only thing that slightly assuages my pain in the midst of this insanity is feeling you here beside me, gazing at me. Lately, I find myself talking to you frequently, Danielle. Asking, laughing, raging, smiling, weeping… Remember the fun we had that last Shabbos we spent in your house? You kept on repeating how happy you were that we were all together.

During the shivah, we reminisced that the magnet photographer insisted that each and every party guest should have a picture alone with you. At the time, I couldn’t fathom his urgency. Only today do I understand…

Danielle, give us all the strength to keep striving. Send your loving family the strength they need to go on. We’re all doing our best to be strong, but it’s so hard. Our hearts can’t contain the longing for you, and now more than ever…

I love you, and I’ll never stop loving you!

Yours forever,

Naama Lancekorn