It’s been a full year since you’ve left,
Got called to Shamayim, the Olam HaEmes.
You thought your absence wouldn’t be felt,
But the weight of your loss is strongly dealt.
My heart still breaks for you every day,
I think of you every minute in every way.
The world feels different and gloomy, too,
Because now we live in a world without you.
As was said at your l’vayah, with words so true,
“Bobby left a mark on everyone she knew.”
But now there’s no one like you who takes the lead,
Who handles all the chaos and fills each need.
There’s no more Bobby with strength so deep,
Planting values that her grandchildren will keep.
There’s no more friend who stands loyal and true,
Despite the distance or what life puts us through.
There’s no more sister with laughter and cheer,
Who treasured every moment when family was near.
There’s no more “Tante Chani,” favorite aunt who loves to shmooze,
The best gift buyer, bringing more than one to choose!
There’s no more mother who gently pushed to succeed,
Who showed us what we want is not necessarily what we need.
There’s no more dear wife, house manager, and CEO,
One to make decisions and shlep us to and fro.
And in Rav Oelbaum’s shul, a void fills its space,
Your absence is felt; your chair begs for your grace.
I stop in at your shul to see if you’ll wave me inside,
Waiting for your hug as you’re beaming with pride.
Every day I daven from your T’hilim, pages worn with tears,
How badly I wish I could have you a few more years.
You left this world with an imprint and built a lasting legacy,
We’ll follow in your footsteps, giving of ourselves generously.
And every day I wear your necklace close against my heart,
The memory of you will live forever, and we will never part.
You’re not here the way you were, yet more than ever now,
I feel you near in all I do, guiding me somehow.
Oheiv shalom v’rodeif shalom –
This was the way you chose to live your days,
Teaching us to rise above and walk in kindness and with praise.
We are all missing you and need your wisdom from above.
It’s been really difficult to continue without your steady love.
So please help Tatty find the strength to walk without you by his side.
His heart aches without you here; you were his partner and his guide.
May our small family be zocheh to be blessed to stay strong,
To grow in increasing numbers before too long.
And may Hashem answer our t’filos as the meilitz yosher for our family,
To end suffering for all and to bring Mashiach speedily.
By Her Daughter, Yehudis
