I’ve been thinking for a long time that I should really write about Danielle, eternalize every second that we spent together and embellish my writings with photos—creating an album of sorts to celebrate our most beautiful moments together, so that they’ll remain forever engraved in my mind and heart…

I sit here and write, erase and try again, because words do no justice to the incredible person that was Danielle.  Prose can’t sum up the amazing period that we spent together…

It’s morning now, and I’m still resting on the couch where I’ve been sleeping these last few days. I awoke not long ago after dreaming about you, or more accurately, about us… That’s the way it’s been these last few nights—I can’t stop thinking about you, not for a moment, not even when I’m asleep! I even dream about you!

I could go on and on, filling endless sheets of paper, but nothing I write will ever convey what we shared—the laughter, the funny faces, the henna, the nights you spent sleeping in my place, the walks in the wee hours of the morning and night so we could just sit on the beach, the promises of what we’ll do when I return…

Recently, I’ve noticed how many songs I think of as “ours.” Every song has a special place in my heart… There was the song you introduced me to on the beach on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, another one that we listened to on our way here or there, and a third one that you used to joke that I don’t even know its name. And then there was the one that we sang especially for you… Every word I say reminds me of you, and I think, “Wow! This was Danielle!”  I often think about how I can keep you inside of me forever, and what I can take from you to guide me throughout my life.

Now all that remains is the longing and yearning for you. To see you again, to hug you one more time. Because last time was too long ago…

I love you and miss you…

Hila Golan