Purple flowers

The ground has settled on Ester’s grave and the stone will be laid in the autumn. In the week of Ester’s birthday—and on her birthday in the Hebrew calendar—Rima and Angela planted a bed of flowers.

Natalie says, “Flowers within us sometimes grow. Sometimes they wither and die. We all have the seeds: it depends on how we look after them.”

If you're visiting Ester’s grave in the coming months—and the flowers seem to need watering—please give them a drink to help them stay fresh until Ester's stone is laid. There are taps, buckets and jugs in the grounds of the Hoop Lane cemetery. Ester’s grave is in Row 34 on the north-western side.

Debi Penhey: the princess and the shirt

For 24 years I have shared my birthday with Ester. What should I do this year on Thursday? We still share a birthday, but I can’t send her happy birthday wishes, nor can she send them to me.

I first met Ester when she was Angela’s bump – a few weeks before she was born, when Angela was my teacher in the conversion class at West London Synagogue. I was delighted when she was born on my 22nd birthday. Over the years we have exchanged greetings, jokes, messages, news and love.

I shall miss all of this. I shall also miss our long-standing joke of how she coveted a favourite shirt of mine. We shared a love of purple, and every time Ester saw me wearing my beautiful long purple and blue shirt, she asked if she could have it. I have always thought of her whenever I’ve worn it, and always will.

I’ll wear the shirt on our birthday, Ester, and think of you. Have a good day wherever you are.