Memories of Devora by Susan Mesches

I was unable to write my thoughts when the rest of the school did because I refused to think of Devora as a memory when she was still alive. I was lucky to have known Devora for the past 16 years or so. I visited her in the hospital, at her home, and in her office at school as much as she would allow. She was my friend and the person I strived most to be like. I really considered her my "rabbi." A huge void is in my heart and I will cherish the wonderful memories I have of her.

I was at each of her children's Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. She was the life of the party and so proud of her children.

We are coming upon Pesach and the seder at school was her baby. This year will be so difficult without her presence. She would always give me a story to tell at my seders and I always gave her credit when I shared them. The day I found out about her cancer, I went and threw up. It was devastating to hear such news from a friend and I had to keep it quiet until she called me. I went to her home on Yom Kippur to daven with her when she was unable to go to shul, I took her to get a pedicure when she was able, and I drove her to radiation.

My middle daughter had her Bat Mitzvah at Camp Young Judaea in central Texas about 7 years ago and Devora came by herself. She got rest that she deserved. She again was the life of the party. She formed a bond with my very artsy-tartsy aunt and I can stitl picture my aunt with her arms around Devora's waist walking across a little bridge as my aunt is afraid of heights. Devora came to my 50th birthday party and I was at the hospital with her on her 50th. My husband has some wonderful stories about her as well and I will pass on this email to him.

There is such a pain in my heart now that she is gone. I will never forget her and I love her so much. No one can replace her at the school. They has tough shoes to fill. I am so sad, but I know that she would want me to enjoy the good every day.

Susan Mesches