As if I could ever forget by Amy Kanka Valadarsky
Here, in Israel we have too many sad songs. One that is particularly touching goes something like that (my translation):
How should I bless the child? asks the angel.
I blessed him a smile brighter than light, seeing eyes and a feeling heart. Dancing feet and a soul to remember the tune. Hands to collect seashells and ears to listen to big and small
...
How should I bless the child? asked the angel. I gave him all I could. A smile, a song and feet to dance. A gentle hand, a thriving heart. What more can I bless him with
....and the song end with:
If only you blessed him with life.
Two days ago, 25 youngsters aged 17 to 18 were caught in the midst of a late spring flood in the Arava, the desert in the southern part of Israel. Salt of the earth, these youngsters were about to embark on an extra year of study after high school. Learning to be better people, better leaders, know their country and people better. Study and volunteer. This was supposed to be the trip when they get to know each other. For ten of them, nine girls and a boy - who died because he kept helping his friends instead of saving himself - it was the last trip. They were truly blessed with everything every parent could want for their child. They were bright, and loving, and best in their class, volunteering for years in organizations helping disabled children. They were blessed with beauty and a sense of humor and the biggest, gentlest hearts. If only they were blessed with life.
When no words can describe how I feel