Mother Reflects on Three Years Since Daughter's Death on October 7
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Ayla Puder is reflecting on the three years since her daughter Maya was killed on October 7. She describes how grief has evolved but not lessened, and how she continues to honor Maya's memory through actions and by sharing her story. Puder expresses that while many people miss Maya, she longs for her daughter's return above all else.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ayla Puder is marking three years since her daughter Maya was killed on October 7.
- Puder states that time has not lessened her grief, only changed how she carries it.
- She emphasizes that memorial projects do not fill the void left by Maya's absence.
- Maya is deeply missed by her father and her friends.
- Puder continues to live and act in Maya's memory because of her enduring love.
- Her deepest wish is for Maya's return rather than any form of commemoration.
Three years have passed since Maya Puder was killed on October 7, but her mother, Ayla Puder, finds that time has not diminished the grief, only changed how it is carried. Puder describes a period of simply surviving, moving from day to day, hour to hour, unsure how she would reach the evening or the morning. Gradually, she realized that while she could not bring Maya back, she could continue to speak to and about her.
Puder emphasizes that her actions in Maya's memory, such as creating gardens or events, do not fill the void left by her daughter's absence. She states that nothing can replace Maya, and what she truly desires is her daughter's return. The mother shares that Maya is deeply missed by her father, who longs for their conversations, trips, and familiar presence. Maya is also missed by her friends, some of whom Puder encounters and sees in their eyes the same longing, as if momentarily transported back to a time when Maya was still with them.
Despite the immense love and longing felt by many, Puder acknowledges the necessity of learning to live with the emptiness Maya left behind. She continues to live not because the pain has ceased or she has become accustomed to the loss, but because her love for Maya fuels her actions. This love has transformed into a driving force, inspiring activities and places that bear Maya's name and share her story. Ultimately, Puder expresses a profound wish for Maya's return, to walk through the door, discard her bag, and ask why her mother is crying, to which she would reply, "Because I missed you so much, Maya."
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