I first met Donimo at a gathering at a shared house on Napier Street sometime around 1998 or 1999. Donimo walked in, met all of Sarah’s friends and then hours later, casually mentioned that she used to live in that very house many years before. Such a surprise! Although we knew each other and moved in overlapping circles, I didn’t grow close to Donimo until some ten years later. And then I came to know her as a wonderful friend, a calm yet energizing presence, someone to have endless tea and honey with, who loved dark chocolate, watching and caring for her hummingbirds, dog walks when they were possible for her and long wonderful wandering conversations.
Donimo had a marvellously playful spirit. I will never forget the mischievous wicked gleam in her eyes at parties, enticing people to play knuckles with her. She loved a good round of charades and Pictionary. She liked puns and enjoyed hearing and telling funny stories. A shared sense of tumultuous fun and sensory indulgence endeared her to our daughter from the beginning. Donimo made Clara her first ever hot chocolate after a blustery winter walk at New Brighton Park. It was decadently made with whole milk and melted dark chocolate, and Clara still remembers it three years later. And when D was able to get outside with her wheelchair and batec, the two of them wheeled, ran, laughed and played with abandon. I can see them now on the lower pathway at New Brighton, joyfully playing while the seagulls soared overhead.
When Clara learned of Donimo’s passing on Tuesday, she told me she didn’t believe that Donimo is dead because she feels like D is alive in her heart. Tonight, after two days of careful thought, she asked if a spirit is your thoughts and feelings and memories. When I agreed, she told me she thinks D’s spirit is a beautiful white horse. I am inclined to agree.
Donimo, you will be forever cherished as a wonderful friend. You will be remembered for your playful warm spirit and your fierce and deep connections with those closest to you. You taught me some important lessons about self care and compassion and relationships. I will miss you so much, thank you for all you brought into my life. Sarah, so much love to you. We see you, we love you.
