Love, Devorah K.

Naomi is a part of my life. She ate many dinners with Eva and her family. She washed many a dish, babysat Yitchaki and indeed became a part of the family. Sixteen is never an easy age….so many variables. Sixteen was made easier by Eva and her smile, her cooking and her dedicated love and affection. I met Dena in the summer of 1990. We smashed a bug in Clearview, a nasty bug, and became fast friends.

Devorah "Naomi", Yitzi, Tamara and me (Dena),
May 1993

I spent much of the summer with Dena, Bubby and Eva. Eva was 9 ½ months pregnant with Yitzi…we tried to steer clear of anything that may upset a pregnant woman. We tried not to wear clothes that needed to be ironed, no one likes ironing in the hot summer…especially a pregnant woman. We always cleaned up after ourselves and we most certainly never contradicted what Eva said or did. Never.

So early in the winter of 1991, after Yitzi was born and I became the newest family member, spending many a Shabbos with Dena and the gang…being teenagers, a funny thing happened. Eva asked Naomi how her parents were. I sheepishly began to answer and Ruchie, I believe, asked Eva why she called me Naomi. Now, for the last umpteen months Eva had called me Naomi, ALL THE TIME. Remember, we do not correct pregnant women. She thought my name was Naomi and I was not one to correct…so Naomi it was. Belly laughs ensued; I believe we even shed some tears during our laughter. She hugged me and kissed me a told me I was a good girl.

Devorah and Yitzi swimming in Clearview
Summer 1993

Almost 20 years later, occasionally, and just for fun Eva would call me Naomi.

I loved her. I miss her and I know that on some of my hardest days she is watching over me.

Devorah Katz