We Are Still Here: and Dreaming: A Story of Love, Loss, Resilience, Chosen Family

We Are Still Here: And We Are Still DreamingA Story of Love, Loss, Resilience, and Chosen Family When seventeen-year-old Tala Qdeih lost her mother, her home, and the life she once knew in Gaza, she could have lost hope as well. Instead, she chose to keep dreaming. Thousands of miles away in Kansas, Daynise-a chronically ill advocate confined largely to her bed-could never have imagined that a message from a girl in Gaza would change her life forever. What began as a simple online connection grew into an extraordinary bond that crossed borders, languages, religions, and continents. Through daily messages, shared tears, laughter, bracelets, and unwavering support, Tala and Daynise became family by choice. Told in both English and Arabic, We Are Still Here: And We Are Still Dreaming is a powerful true story of grief, resilience, friendship, and hope. It offers an intimate look at life inside Gaza through the eyes of a young woman determined to continue her education and pursue her dreams despite unimaginable loss. More than a story about war, this is a story about humanity. It is a story about the families we are born into and the families we choose. It is a story about finding light in the darkest places. And it is a reminder that even when everything seems lost, hope can still survive. For readers who believe in the power of compassion, connection, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, this unforgettable memoir will stay with you long after the final page. By Tala QdeihCo-Author: DayniseEdited by Gigi Wong