In Memory of Hidemi Dottaviano

Hidemi Dottaviano January 15, 2004
To all who read this, Hidemi Dottaviano may be "just another name," or a sad story of another lost battle with lung cancer. But to me, she was my mother, my best friend, the only person who was able to save me from me. I learned from her what it means to be a good person, mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend and stranger. She could enchant anyone with her beauty and her presence.

She and my dad had been together for more than 30 years. Through them, my sister and I learned the meaning of Love and devotion. "Beautiful and amazing" are the only words that can describe them and what they shared. I did not only lose my mom when she died-I lost my dad, too. He will never be the same, and will never be whole again. He is only half of who he was before, but I thank God that I was blessed and given the gift to see my dad care for my mother during her final months the way he did. A love like that was only supposed to exist in fairy tales. I got to see a fairy tale come true my whole life. Thank you, God, for giving them both to me.

My mother was a grandmother to four beautiful boys and one little one that she will never meet here on earth. I cry for him, that he will not know the warmth of her hug and laughter, and her beauty. Her grandchildren embody her beauty and her spirit, and I know she is responsible for that.

This disease robbed her of life, just two months after turning 49, and only four months after being diagnosed. I had her as a mother, a best friend, and a teacher, for almost 25 years, and it will take me the rest of my life to get over her.

Mom, grandma, Hidemi, we all love and miss you so very much. Thank you for all you have done for us, and all the sacrifices you made for us. Thank you for the lessons you taught us, and the gift of You. Our beautiful guiding and eternal light, our angel here on earth and in the heavens above, we will see you in our dreams. Wait for us all-we will be together again.

Your daughter,
Lisa Jones