Dear Reader,

Last night, I was lying in bed, wide awake. I was hoping to e-mail Yehuda some stories of Adira. I had heard that coma victims can sometimes wake up if they heard familiar things. These are the stories that I wanted to send to Yehuda and his new baby daughter.

Adira's birthday in Israel was one to remember. Devorah, Rachel, Leah and I bought a pizza from Trevi's and set up the apartment to resemble an 80's club. We all dressed up in 80's costumes (weirdos, I know). Adira was coming back to the apartment from her evening HONORS (shout out to Honors girls) class and so we shut all of the lights. We watched her from out attic window as she entered the building. We decided to hide behind furniture, and shout surprise when she got into the room.

That didn't happen.

Mrs. Benchamu (remember her) was making her rounds to check that we were keeping the apartment clean. Mrs. Benchamu came into the apartment just as Adira was coming up the stairs. Mrs. Benchamu was shouting and looking for the lights and we were trying to tell her to be quiet so that we could surprise the birthday girl.

Mrs. Benchamu opened the lights as Adira opened the Left Attic door. We all yelled 'SURPRISE!', scaring both Adira and Mrs. Benchamu. Both women were shocked by the way that we were dressed. Mrs. Benchamu muttered something in Hebrew and left.

We had an awesome 80's pizza bithday party for Adira.

Another story:

Devorah and I heard a shout from the bathroom. Adira was shaving her legs and cut herslef a little bit. Devorah and I couldn't find our band-aids, so we asked Monique, the Madricha. As she was getting the band-aids, Miki heard a commotion and came upstairs. Adira thought that we'd trick both Miki and Monique. She got a vegetable peeler out of the drawer in the kitchen and told Miki and Monique that she couldn't find her shaver, so she used a peeler instead. That's why she needed the band-aids.

I have so many memories of my sister, roommate, secret keeper, jokester and friend. Adira and I cooked our first box of WackyMac together. We discussed how spoiled meat should not be eaten if it has mold on it, and she decided to the non-moldy part of it. We spent many inspiring Shabbosim together. We have been calling each other ever since we left Israel, and I just spoke to her a week and a half ago.
She was so excited to be a mother. I was telling her all about how wonderful it has been for me so far, and she was anxious to start her own family of little Adiras.

I miss her terribly. I am a mess. What gives me hope is that this little baby will be reminded of her amazing mother and Adira's legacy every day of her life. What a zechus her duaghter has.

Adira

"Adira Miller Smith!" we used to joke in SEG. I can't believe its been so long since we were at the homowack and then that ranch place- golden acres? That was definitely an experience. And then we kept in touch all the way through seminary - where I happily encouraged you to come to DB with me and then join me as an "honors girl". I am just flooded with memories Adira. I remember seeing you last year on Strauss, talking about work permits, jobs, finishing college, cholent for Sunday night dinners. And then just two weeks ago we were joking about how your winter coat didnt quite fit anymore now that its finally cold.

But Adira, now it is really cold. I cant imagine, I'm trying to pull myself together, trying to live in a world where you are not. I know that your incredible neshama is being a melitz for all of klal yisrael right now, but am I selfish for wishing it wasn't yours that was needed? You have such a beautiful little girl, I thought one day we would finally get together here and our babies would play together.

Adira, you have left an eternal legacy, one that will never be forgotten, I will never forget you.

Adira

I spent Shana Aleph with Adira in Darchei Binah, and she made a very strong impression on me in that short time. She had a real simcha about her - a great sense of humor, always a smile on her face. She was a great person to talk to, she had the ability to relate to all different types of people, and she would have been an incredible mother. May Yehuda and their daughter find comfort for their loss, and may we all continue to be inspired by Adira.

For Adira

Please comment on this posting to submit your thoughts/memories/feelings of Adira.