Remembering 31
Ivette Siegert, Mona's Columbia University Advanced Creative Writing teacher, Switzerland
Mona Daniella was my creative writing student at Columbia about ten years ago. It would be impossible to forget her astonishing intelligence and linguistic gifts, her openness, her kindness. (If my student archives weren't in another country, I would share some of her beautiful work here.) I feel blessed to have known her and am deeply saddened to learn that she is no longer with us. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. 
Janet Hayes Straub, friend, US
Hello dear Esther, I am so very sorry for your heartbreak and the loss of your beautiful Mona. I can not even imagine your anguish. I have had you in my thoughts and my heart. You can't be who you were but you can always be the woman Mona loved, with your kind heart and beautiful soul. I think losing your own child is the greatest tragedy of all time. My friend. I have no words to tell you how sorry I am and how I wish that you did not have to goo through any of this pain. I know that she brought you so much joy. As for it being God's wish, I do not believe that grief is ever God's wish for us. Esther, I have no answers but I have friendship and a heart that see who you are. Cry as you must. Hold onto each other as you do. For as long as you need to. But you are not lost. You are merely submerged. Remember her smile and her joy, remember that you gave her your soul, and when you are ready she will hand it back to you. I believe this. When our beloveds die, they carry our souls for safekeeping. It is how they keep us with them until they are ready to let go, and they place them back into our hearts when we are strong enough to hold them again. That's why grief never wins. My heart is heavy for you and Alan and Mac but my belief that your Mona is with you and caring for you is just as strong. Suzy
Jocelyn Urena, Mona's friend Mount Holyoke
She actually went to Mount Holyoke. All three of us were in the same Spanish class. I can't remember her name though. I briefly shared moments with Mona. Stay strong, losing someone special is an unbearable pain. I would suggest to look up griefshare it will help processing feelings and assisting with coping mechanisms. 
Emily Sudela, Mona's friend
She was a very bright young lady with a.beautiful personality and soul inside and outside beauty she is very much loved missed!!! 
Miriam
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