Letters to a Fallen Father: 'Missing you overcomes us; we have a way to go, but the path is clear'

"You went, but you are still with us, in the little things and in the great ones," Hallel writes to her father, Rami Kachlon, who fell after succumbing to wounds obtained in battle.

By HALLEL KACHLON
Hallel and Rami Kachlon (photo credit: IDF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS ORGANIZATION)
Hallel and Rami Kachlon
(photo credit: IDF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS ORGANIZATION)
Our Dear Dad,
How to sum up in a few words a Dad so strong, so great and powerful?
It's already been a month without you.
We stayed by your side after your injury. We saw your endless struggle, and we parted from your physical being, but not from your presence. And then, when the worst happened, we joined the families of bereavement, unwillingly, but with great faith that this was G-d's will. We chose to cope using your beliefs. You left us no room for indecision about how to live without a father. Even without you, without discussing it with you, I know how you want us to live. You didn't talk much, talking is Mom's great quality, but when you spoke you were clear, focused, strong, and sent a message which reached further than the issue in question, to future principles.
We have chosen to find strengths in this difficult trial, to focus on success and not failure, to always try to keep our heads high. To keep smiling even when it is hard, and always keep a positive view, even when our hearts are aching and wounded.
Mom always says we were blessed to have lived in your shadow.
Dad, you weren't at home much, but you were always there.
I don't deserve concessions that my Dad is not at home, I have the positives that, even if he is not here, I should work hard, make an effort, share, give, and keep doing things for myself and for others.
Dad, you went, but you are still with us, in the little things and the great ones. You left behind many people who can testify to who you were, can support us and comfort us, hold us and remind us of you, what you contributed, and how lucky we are to be your children.
Dad, at times missing you overcomes us; we have a long way to go, for me, for Mom, brothers and friends, but the path is clear.
I promise to follow in your way, it will always guide us and give us strength; to continue the mission of leading a meaningful life. To look after Mom, Yossiel, Maor and Ami-ad. Together we will succeed, you will be proud of us from up there. I am sure you will protect us and show us the way.
My Dad, you will always be with me, no matter where you are, you are always by my side.
I'm so proud to be your daughter. Always be with us.
May your soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.
I Love you,
Hallel
Hallel Kachlon, aged 15, from Hadera, is the daughter of Sergeant Major Rami Kachlon, who was injured in an incident on the Gaza border during Operation Protective Edge, and died of his wounds several days later.
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