Dear Papa,
During the day I think about you.
In the night I dream about you.
I remember your soft caress and your powerful hugs.
I remember your sweet voice in song—the voice and words through which you encouraged me to be a good girl, a good student, but most of all a good human being.
I remember your eyes blue like the sky—the gentle, loving eyes that gazed upon me when you were with us on earth. I remember your eyes even now when you are not among the living.
I remember your hands so white and strong. The hands that carved little toys for me to play with.
I remember my little hands touching your head, touching the bald spot on the top of your head, and always asking what happened to your hair.
I remember your body so tall and strong towering over me, making me feel safe and protected.
I remember the aroma of the tobacco in your pipe that you held between your soft lips, which you kissed me with.
I remember you, Papa, standing in the synagogue on the bima near the Holy Ark as a Kohen chanting the priestly blessings like Aaron the Holy Priest during biblical times.
Your strength of body and strength of character I will always remember.
I will remember the love of family and humanity that you instilled in me. I will carry those principles to the end of my life.
I thank G-d for the years that I had you, but I cannot forgive the Nazi murderers that killed you at the age of 47 when you were in the prime of your life.
I will continue to think about you during the days and dream of you during the nights. I will always remember you as long as I live.
©2005, Nesse Godin. The text, images, and audio and video clips on this website are available for limited non-commercial, educational, and personal use only, or for fair use as defined in the United States copyright laws.