Hoda became a great friend to me in a very short time. I met her in my aquagym classes. I remember being struck by how she couldn’t manage the floating exercises — and by her courage in deciding to sign up for swimming lessons.
What stood out about her was that she always had a smile for everyone and was always willing to help anyone in need.
But I really began to get to know Hoda on June 13th. It was my friend Juana’s birthday, and we were going to celebrate with a coffee after aquagym. Hoda wanted to join us, and that was the first of many coffees I had with her.
I discovered someone very talkative, but at the same time, someone who knew how to listen and give good advice. She quickly became a friend I could confide all my fears and worries to — and someone who, despite knowing me for such a short time, had an incredible ability to calm me down.
We used to meet for coffee once a week: two café con leche and four croissants without chocolate… that was our snack. I remember the last time I had coffee with her was at her house. I brought her croissants without chocolate filling, and she told me I was the only one who knew she liked them that way.
Of all the coffees I had with her, that was the only one that left a bitter taste. Her hug when I left felt like a goodbye. I told her I’d come again to have coffee with her, but something in her eyes told me it wouldn’t happen… and no, I didn’t get the chance for another coffee.
I remember one of the last times I was able to take her out for coffee, when I parked the car, Hoda had her window down, and a butterfly flew in. It fluttered near her and landed on her side mirror. She looked at it, fascinated, and told me that she and her sister always remembered their mother whenever they saw a butterfly.
Now, I’m the one who remembers Hoda every time I see a butterfly flutter near me. Even though she’s no longer here physically and I can’t send her 15-minute voice messages — which she would always listen to carefully and respond with an even longer one — I still feel that she’s here, close to me, and that in some way she comforts me when I’m afraid.
Hoda will always be my friend. Wherever she is, I know she’s still close to me and all her loved ones. I know she’s still looking after us with all the love and kindness that defined her.