Theo's Lolo Dodoy - Week 18

April 28, 2005 (Thursday) - My sister (who lives in Tokyo) and I received very tragic news from home. Our beloved uncle, Benito Nemenzo, our mother's brother, whom we fondly call Dodoy, was hit by a speeding jeepney in front of his home, a tragic event that was witnessed by his very own wife and young son. The accident occurred at around 7:00 a.m.; by 5:30 p.m., our dear Dodoy joined his Creator due to massive brain hemorrhage.

I do not wish to describe in detail the events leading to his untimely death; I wish to remember him for the life that he had lived. Sadly, he leaves a wife and five young children; the youngest is in the photo above. Nicknamed Kikay, she is less than a year old when his father moved on. Although she will never know firsthand who her father was, stories someday from family and friends will confirm to her that her dear tatay was a very good man and a very good father. I have never heard of anyone who dislikes, more so, hates, Dodoy. The loss was a major tragedy for the clan, and we shall seek justice, lest Dodoy die in vain.

When I think of Dodoy, I can only remember happy thoughts and memories. Throughout our lifetimes, we had an altercation only once, and that was when I was a spoiled 8-year-old brat. I can't even remember the details; what's highly probable is that I most likely started the fracas. Dodoy was never a boastful, violent person. He was always soft-spoken and kind. He had a good heart, that's one thing I am 100% certain.

I remember him fondly for teaching me how to ride the bicycle when I was a very young kid. Despite the summer heat, he would hold the bicycle firmly when I was just starting out and he would hold it throughout the long stretch from our home to the end of the subdivision road, making sure that his naughty nephew doesn't hurt himself until he learns the ropes.

I remember him for his wisecracks and jokes and for his infectious laughter. Often, he would tell jokes with a poker face, surprising you in the end with a well-timed punch line. And when he laughs, he laughs with gusto, his eyes tightly shut in a fit of comic frenzy. Dodoy could have been an excellent standup comedian if he really wanted to.

I remember him for his passion for photography. He had a good creative eye, and he quickly learned the technical depths of photography when I gave him two Nikons and a couple of lenses. He would proudly sling his cameras around his neck, like well-deserved medals. I lost a would-be partner in this artistic field. We have truly lost a budding photographer/artist.

Most importantly, I remember him for his loving kindness toward his wife and children. He was a very good father and his children love him so much. He will always be remembered as a loving family man. All this love (not money, not wealth!), he brings with him to Heaven. It is extremely tragic that his children will be deprived of his overflowing, unconditional love and kindness. His shoulder will also not be there when they need one to cry on. But as his relatives, we will be there for his children, our cousins, whom we also love so much.

Dodoy, if you're reading this somewhere in an Internet cafe in Heaven, do remember that we love you and your family. We will seek justice for you and we will do what we can to ensure that your children obtain sufficient preparation for life. Although my son Theo hasn't met you and probably never will in this lifetime, you will always be "Lolo Dodoy" to him and I will recount to him someday how good and loving a person you are. I will tell him that you are a true epitome of the adage, "Only the good die young."

Our dear Dodoy, you now have wings, and we pray that you will protect us, your family and friends, including your grandnephew Theo. Since I will not be there on your funeral tomorrow, I will always remember you as the living, loving, laughing Dodoy. Forty-two years may seem very short, but it's not how long we have lived, it's how much we have loved.

Your wonderful journey with God has probably only just begun. Please wait for us in Heaven.