Honoring Their Memories

She opened a Facebook account only a few years ago, but as I scrolled through her postings, I gained a tremendous insight into the character of Lori Gilbert-Kay, the lone fatality of the shooting attack at the Poway Synagogue of San Diego, carried out on the final day of Passover.

Her last post was an appeal – “Join the fight against childhood illness. Enlist for Chai Lifeline today.” Her penultimate post was about the aforementioned altruistic organization which provides support to ill children and their families. “Please click on my personal fundraising page, as I enthusiastically raise funds to continue the good work of Chai Lifeline.”

Scrolling downwards, I came upon Lori’s numerous wishes for “abundant blessings” to individuals in need, as well as myriad requests to contribute to worthwhile charities. There was a link to an article titled “35 ways Israel inspired the world in 2018,” a photo with actress Jane Seymour at a John Wayne Cancer Institute Membership luncheon, and a congratulatory message to her daughter embarking on a new milestone in her academic career.

Lori uploaded a photo of a card from her co-workers, laden with compliments.

 “You are always the best. Thanks for all you do for us.”

“Thank you for all your kindness.”

“Thank you for being such an amazing person and such a positive influence.”

Upon the occasion of her daughter’s birthday, Lori paused to reflect upon how Hashem gave her the best opportunity when she became a mother. She then went on to compliment her daughter, and let her know how proud she was, and enjoined her to continue reaching for the stars.

Another post linked to an article that detailed a young woman’s reflections upon her imminent death. Holly Burcher’s life lessons were preserved for posterity as she had committed to pen a note full of wise counsel before she passed away from Ewing’s sarcoma.

Holly’s final letter included advising individuals to “Talk to your friends. Put down your phone.“ – “Work to live, don’t live to work.”

Her last words communicated a request for people to do a good deed and donate blood.

“Blood donation (more bags than I could keep up with counting) helped keep me alive for an extra year - a year I will be forever grateful that I got to spend it here on Earth with my family, friends and dog. A year I had some of the greatest times of my life.”

Lori Gilbert-Kaye’s blood was spilled on the last day of Passover. On the first day of the holiday, Jews the world over recited the Haggada which contains the words from Ezekiel 16:6.

And I passed by you and saw you wallowing in your blood, and I said to you, "With your blood, live," and I said to you, "With your blood, live."

Recently, a nurse employed at an Israeli hospital related to me that a patient was waiting for a transfusion for a number of days because there was a shortage of the type of blood needed by the invalid. Let us honor Holly’s last request and the memory of Lori Gilbert-Kaye by contributing to Chai Lifeline and/or donating blood at the earliest opportunity.

“With your blood, live.  With your blood, live.”