Judith Ish-Horowicz: I owe you, Ester
Ester, it's so hard to look backwards and remember without you here prompting me with your memories. 'Do you remember when...?'
Maybe its because each memory is such a small fragment of the whole and I will never be able to encapsulate all the apects of your relationship with me and my family through the years.
When we first met about 15 years ago, it seemed the most natural thing for us to spend our Shabbats together. We have videos of our holidays together and you even provided Michal with the pet she had always wanted when your hamster, Jo-Eli came to stay. Why Jo-Eli? Because Joanna was with you when Elisheva, the hamster gave birth.
You were the filling that complimented the Tamar and Shoshi sandwich and another big sister for Joanna and Michal to emulate and to turn to for advice and love.
Not many people have the time, energy, sensitivity and awareness to individualise and personalise their relationships the way you did. You noticed if one of us was low or hurting. You showed us that we mattered.
We had so many laughs and tears together, you, your mum, Patrick, me and the girls. 'The girls' was allowed, as was the SET and all 5 of you named individually even if the wrong name was attached to each of you, but definitely, not 'the twins'. You moved in with us when your mum was away training and even went to school with Tamar and Shoshi for a week. Angela and I swapped daughters, mine worked for her and you worked with me, teaching at Apples and Honey Nursery before travelling to Israel in your gap year. The children loved you and it was obviously mutual.
I owe you, Ester. You never redeemed the driving lessons we gave to you for your birthday presents, but I'm not going to let you off so easily. Our lives changed when we met you and Angela. Wherever we go, whatever we do, your influence will be with us, it has helped to shape us. We shall still turn to each other and share esterisms. We shall still ask ourselves 'what would Ester say, what would she do?'
Your life was too short but it was full and rich and its impact will continue and continue. You will remain in my heart , young and vibrant, sensitive and beautiful, laughing, crying, arguing and reflectiing. The work you were so passionate about will continue because you will continue to inspire us with your vision and your humanity. You were, are and always will be for a blessing.
Maybe its because each memory is such a small fragment of the whole and I will never be able to encapsulate all the apects of your relationship with me and my family through the years.
When we first met about 15 years ago, it seemed the most natural thing for us to spend our Shabbats together. We have videos of our holidays together and you even provided Michal with the pet she had always wanted when your hamster, Jo-Eli came to stay. Why Jo-Eli? Because Joanna was with you when Elisheva, the hamster gave birth.
You were the filling that complimented the Tamar and Shoshi sandwich and another big sister for Joanna and Michal to emulate and to turn to for advice and love.
Not many people have the time, energy, sensitivity and awareness to individualise and personalise their relationships the way you did. You noticed if one of us was low or hurting. You showed us that we mattered.
We had so many laughs and tears together, you, your mum, Patrick, me and the girls. 'The girls' was allowed, as was the SET and all 5 of you named individually even if the wrong name was attached to each of you, but definitely, not 'the twins'. You moved in with us when your mum was away training and even went to school with Tamar and Shoshi for a week. Angela and I swapped daughters, mine worked for her and you worked with me, teaching at Apples and Honey Nursery before travelling to Israel in your gap year. The children loved you and it was obviously mutual.
I owe you, Ester. You never redeemed the driving lessons we gave to you for your birthday presents, but I'm not going to let you off so easily. Our lives changed when we met you and Angela. Wherever we go, whatever we do, your influence will be with us, it has helped to shape us. We shall still turn to each other and share esterisms. We shall still ask ourselves 'what would Ester say, what would she do?'
Your life was too short but it was full and rich and its impact will continue and continue. You will remain in my heart , young and vibrant, sensitive and beautiful, laughing, crying, arguing and reflectiing. The work you were so passionate about will continue because you will continue to inspire us with your vision and your humanity. You were, are and always will be for a blessing.
posted by Ester memories at 4:46 pm
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