Dear Lipa,

I tried a few times to sit down and write with the right words. I spent time reading every post, the dear words, carefully chosen to convey each one sentiment for how they knew you, respected and cared for you and in awe of your wisdom, compassion and ease of reaching out a hand in friendship to those that needed you.

I had some fear in writing and here you would be in dismay that I had any fear writing my honest and raw truth to a friend and a brother, but alas, it is true brother.

My knowledge of the torah and to understand the life of a Chassid is in its infancy. When you first arrived to Vancouver, my parents some way befriended you. They don't even remember when I asked them. Its like they knew you forever and there was no starting point.

The year you and Dena arrived, I was getting ready to celebrate my bar mitzvah. You took the time to teach me my parasha and how to put on a tefilin. My parents were only eight years out of Russia with little knowledge of living life as observant Jews and you and Dena guided them and offered friendship and wisdom. That wonderful connection led them to having a Chuppa. A life changing and altering wonderful event.

You brought yidishkeit to our family and started us on a path that helped to ignite a spark that sat deep inside us.

Now I am a married man with a family, many years since you guided me at my bar mitzvah and since my parents Chuppa. I found myself always questioning how to best lead my life. With so much to know and learn, it was a challenge to make a decision to start a journey of living life as observant Jews. But with each visit to yours and Denas warm home on Shabbos, it made us more eager to keep shabbas in our home eventually. 

I'm sorry you had to leave us, it wasn't enough time but Hashem has a plan for you that is beyond my comprehension. My heart goes out to Dena and all your wonderful children.

With friendship forever

Dreyshner Family