Dina Excelled in Her Last 24 Hours

By Rabbi Yakov Saacks, The Chai Center, Dix Hills, NY

This past weekend was one that will stay with me forever. It was painful emotionally, challenged me physically, and shook my faith. Yet, it was ironically inspiring.

On Saturday night, I received a text from my dearest lifelong friends that their daughter was involved in a car accident and she was in the hospital some 450 plus miles away. There were no flights available, so we made up that we would drive to Buffalo. The three of us drove together. Well more accurately, he drove and I was charged with getting information and pushing for the best care. At that time we had no idea what we were facing. We just prayed and hoped that everything would be ok.

When we got there, it was somewhat clear that this was a bad accident and we may need a miracle. I say “may” because we were very optimistic and positive and still hoped that she would just naturally heal from her injuries. The parents did not give up hope for a moment. Their strength of courage and conviction rendered me speechless.

They cautioned the entire angelic ICU staff with a pointed finger and a stern gaze that they too must never give up hope. At first, one of the doctors began to state that the situation is dire, but after listening to the dad, she was so inspired that she doubled and redoubled the efforts of the whole staff.

There was not one stone left unturned. The ICU staff at Erie County Medical Center are heroes in my eyes. They literally spent every second of the 20 hours that she was in their unit at her bedside. They were behind her every step of the way, believing and praying for this 19-year-old girl. I witnessed one of the staff members saying a prayer with her head bowed. Even the person who emptied the wastebasket paused at the entrance to the room where Dina lay and watched mom and dad saying the Tehillim with tears in her eyes.

Dina herself fought valiantly. While most people in her condition would have succumbed to their injuries within a very short time, Dina did not. She held on for close to 24 hours, which the staff told me was nothing short of a miracle in itself. What I learned about her while standing in the room with her, was that she was a warrior filled with valor and courage. What she taught me as her life ebbed away is that you must never give up. It may not end the way you want it to, but still, you need to do your part.

Judaism has a belief system that every moment your soul is in your body is precious and should not be held lightly. Every hour is like a lifetime and should be spent when awake accomplishing at maximum capacity.

Well, Dina Leah excelled in her last 24 hours at just that. She taught us all the value of life. She schooled us in strength. She made us believers in an impossible situation.

The local Shluchim, Rabbis Gurary and Labkowski, came right on over with Kosher food in one hand, while on the phone talking to the various doctors that they personally knew in the other, to assure that everything possible was being done. The staff took this all in, saw the commitment to strangers, and were honored to be part of Dina’s team.

Dina Leah, thank you for your life’s lessons. I know that you will continue to fight for your mom, dad and family. I will always remember your dazzling smile. Most importantly, I will never forget what you taught me while we shared some very special moments together in an austere room in Buffalo. I draw strength from you and will never forget your life lessons.

Thank you.