I feel very blessed to have known Donimo. I haven’t met very many people like her during my life, nor do I expect to; she was rare and special.
A memory I have that captures the essence of Domino’s personality was when my car broke down on the way to Rockport. Donimo, Sarah, and I ended up taking the bus for most of the trip. To pass time, I was asking Donimo and Sarah questions from a student activity book. I asked Donimo what she liked best about herself and she said, « The way I treat people. » I couldn’t have agreed more. Donimo was unfailingly kind to anyone I ever saw her interact with. It was once (once!) a thrilling victory for Sarah and me when she actually said something catty—prompted by us, of course.
When I first met Donimo I was in a relationship with someone who didn’t want to commit. I remember being jealous of Domino’s instant, unwavering commitment to Sarah and to our family. Whatever uncomfortable situation was thrown at her (supper at my apartment with my boyfriend, a Hanukkah party where she knew nobody, a family vacation with our sick mother, a spa day with Sarah just to name a few), Donimo just rolled with it.
I will never forget the way Donimo treated Mom. She was 10 times better with her than I was. I remember one time Sarah was talking about Mom’s « friends » who had disappeared from her life when Mom got sick and Donimo said, « I don’t understand; I became friends with Midge AFTER she got sick. » ❤️
I remember how kind Donimo was to animals and how much she loved her dog, Nero. He was one of the first dogs I fell in love with and that’s why I’ve included him in the pictures. Mom loved him, too.
Sarah, I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through and I wish there were a way to make it better. I admire your strength so much. You were a loving, caring, supportive partner to Donimo for over 20 years and I am sure you are the best thing that ever happened to her. I wish you healing and peace in the months to come. I am glad you both had such a loving chosen family.
I also remember Donimo’s art in the expo Sarah helped organize (Kickstart?). Sorry but the name escapes me. By accident I sat in the chair with the spikes that represented Donimo’s pain.
Donimo, I hope that you are in a better place now. I like to think of you running and laughing in a field of flowers with Nero and my Mom. Do me a favour and whisper in G-d’s ear to make more people like you—you were amazing. I know you will watch over Sarah forever.
Much love and respect,
Hannah