Below is a letter that I wrote to Brooke after visiting her in Children's Hospital: 2/10/2012
Dearest Brooke,
I cannot stop thinking about you, all week long. I am not the only one! It seems like the whole world has stopped, and is praying and sending positive thoughts your way.
Why G-d allowed you to be victim of a terrible hit-and-run accident, I will never understand… Not until we experience Redemption with the coming of Moshiach, will I understand why you and your family are going through the trauma you are experiencing.
I am writing this letter to you because I want to thank you for the most special visit I had with you yesterday. I walked into your hospital room, not knowing what to expect. Seeing you with the feeding tubes, breathing tubes, IV’s and most of all – the halo around your head, neck and spine, left me quite shaken. Where’s my Brooke??!?
As I came closer, I saw that your eyes were slightly open! Yet not so focused, pretty sedated. I was told that your “thumbs up” means “yes”, and your wagging little finger means “no” or “so-so”.
I took a deep breath, and said hello. Was that my imagination? Or did your eyes light up for a moment? Oh, I am so happy I am able to come here and see you! I told you that today is Hebrew School, so I came a little early to do “Hebrew School” with you in the hospital! Again, was that my imagination? Or you seemed excited about that!
“Do you want me to save you some watermelon and snacks from Hebrew School?”
Thumbs up!
“We’re baking Challah in the merit of your recovery this week, should I save you one?”
Stronger Thumbs up!!
I pulled out the trusty little Prayer Book we use, which you insisted on holding with your own hand, and we began to sing the Alef Bet. Fighting your drowsiness, fighting the discomfort, you mouthed the entire thing! We sang the “Modeh Ani”. We then handed you a wet washcloth, in place of the washing cup for the ritual wash we do. As I started the wash, wiping one hand, and then the other, singing “once on the right and once on the left…”, you gently tugged the washcloth from me, and began passing it back and forth from one hand to the other, to complete the sanctification of your hands on your own! Now I was convinced, you are absolutely WITH me!
And then your favorite part: the Shema! You tried lifting your arms to your eyes, but we helped you, and with all the animation that you could muster despite your really tough state, you mouthed and ‘sang’ along the entire Shema! You brought tears to my eyes, Brooke. I always love how you sing the Shema with such enthusiasm. But now my heart was spilling over with pride. Look at your love and dedication to G-d. So pure, sweet, and innocent. You sing His praise, despite the state He has put you in! Perhaps you already know that He will heal you so fully, so soon!!
As we finished, I asked if I should save you THREE “Torah Dollars”. We usually reward students with just one or two for ‘super praying’. You gave your thumbs up. I suggested maybe you deserve even MORE than three, and asked you how many you think I should give you. You put up all TEN of your cute little fingers!!! I think you’re right Brooke, you definitely deserve ten for your profoundly moving prayer!!!
You then lifted both your hands, towards me, as if wanting a hug before I left… my heart melted. You have so much love in your heart! It is no wonder that teachers, friends and neighbors love you to pieces!!!
Your mom asked if it was okay with you if she walks Rabbi Dov and I out of the room. Definite thumbs up. That’s my Brooke. You are so kind.
Thank you, Brooke, for comforting me. Thank you for letting me know that you are with us. There is no doubt I n my mind that you are going to kick and dance your way out of this! Just look at your strength! Look at your determination! The doctors are saying that you are an absolute miracle already. There are many more miracles in store for you, my dear.
I miss you Brooke, and I am anxiously waiting to dance, sing and laugh with you again!!!
Keep praying; keep singing, because good times are coming!
Nachala Aliza Bat Chaya Sheva, I Love you!
Love,
“Morah” Racheli