Harry (Heromin) Zmijewski, 69, of Buford, Georgia passed away at his residence on June 14, 2020, guided by angels and surrounded by love. By his side was his wife Doreen and son Alex.

He was born in Erie, PA on August 30, 1950, to the late Witold and Anna (Zalewska) Zmijewski.  Harry was a graduate of St. Stanislaus Grade School (Erie), Academy High School (Erie), and Edinboro University (PA). He received a Master’s Degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art for Sculpture.

Harry was one of the kindest, most gentle, unselfish, thoughtful and caring people anyone could have ever known. He was an incredible artist and teacher. And leave it to Harry to get two “holes in one” in one season! The term “Renaissance Man” is often overused, but for Harry it truly rings true.

He was preceded in death by three sisters: Genevieve Zmijewski, Evelyn Gostomski, and Caroline Narducci; a brother, Ray Zmijewski; and a nephew, Brian Beason.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen Cestari and his devoted son, Alex Zmijewski; stepchildren, Derek Schklar and Andrea Schklar (Pema Tsering); grandchildren, Ari and Fiona of Atlanta; brother, Leo Zmijewski (Jeannie); sisters, Irene Mazzocco, Christine Beason, Kathy Weber (Denny), and Mari Krugger, all of Erie; Rose Ann Szymanski (Lenny) of North East; and Alex’s mother, Marcy Messina (Tony) of Hermitage.

Harry, we love you yesterday, today and always.

Jennifer J.

I know for sure our (Jake and Matt especially) most precious times with Uncle Harry are the Platzka (spelling?) meals!!!!!️️️️

Lucy H. M.

Harry, I’m Lucy, a friend of Doreen for many years. I’ve followed your art since she told me about you many years ago, and have been rooting for you since you got sick.  We never met but I’m there with you and Doreen, giving you heart and letting you know that you’re not alone. I’m with you, sending you prayers and energy for peace and comfort for you both.  I’m so glad you have this love that is between you.  

Peace to you, friend. 

Dave F.

My love to you always always, dear Doreen. The first time I met Harry I just knew he had just the right balance for you. Kind, wise, gentle but no nonsense. A strong man in all the right ways. I wish I had been able to create more memories with him.  You are both so lucky to have found each other. I know it has not been enough time for you but you are still so so lucky.

Tia Van S.

Cuba was at the top of our bucket list and we are so very grateful that not only did we make it there in time, but that we went with Harry and Doreen who were the most perfect companions imaginable for this destination. What fun memories we will always have of our colorful, hot, musical, and unexpected adventures. But most of all, for those of us who have loved Doreen for a very long time, we are most grateful that she and Harry found each other and in that found a beautiful and special love for one another, and easy-going gentleness, an appreciation and curiosity of mutual things, and a most satisfying companionship and partnership. How lucky for each of you! We send our love to you both. Xoxo 

Louise B. and Karl-Heinz L.

Harry’s kindness. ️And his gift and enthusiasm for art. His fun

Shawn W.

My sweet Doreen, This is very hard to do. I tried my best in telling you and Harry to stay positive and fight. I could tell by all your messages that he really fought hard. Not only did he fight for himself but he fought for you because of the love he has for you. Hopefully by reading all these messages for both of you, it will give you some happiness. Try to enjoy the final moments and remember, he is going to a much better place to wait for you. Sue and I love you and Harry. Make your anniversary special.

Please keep in touch.

Tawni T.

I am holding you both close and sending many prayers.  I hope you feel supported — hospice care can be one of the most compassionate and whole-person focused approaches in our Western medical system.

May it give Harry greater ease, and may he feel the tremendous love that surrounds him.

May his path be luminous and smooth Lighting the butter lamp as he begins the journey… 

Corinne V. H. A.

Oh Do, I would wish you and Harry a Happy Anniversary but of course this is the furthest from that 🙁 I remember going to the yard sale/estate sale you were having at your house in Decatur (where I bought this flat colorful ‘lizard’ that has traveled to France, California and Oregon with me 🙂 which is where Harry met you (was that in 1998?). He came through, saw you and knew YOU were the precious object (well person but am working with the sale idea 😉 he wanted to take home. I remember your face lighting up when you mentioned you had met this neat man who was an artist and who wanted to take you out. (I believe I am recalling all of this correctly). When I met Harry, I could see why you were so smitten. He is one of those people who makes everyone he meets feel warmly embraced. I immediately took to him, loving his generous smile and wonderful sense of humor. But more than anything I could see how much he adored you. I don’t know if I dreamed he said this but I think he told me and it was quite clear without him even saying it that you were his idea of the perfect woman. He loved everything about you–physically, emotionally, intellectually. I remember especially a time on SSI when you and he came to visit and we sat around laughing and talking with Marianne and Larry. I loved visiting the auction with the two of you, examining and commenting on objects and works of art. I loved that his huge sculptures live in your backyard–adding a touch of magic expressed through the works Harry imagined and created. These are some of the memories and connections that flash through my mind in connection with Harry. Please hug him for me and tell him how much he is loved and appreciated and how warmly he is thought of. And please take time for hugs for you my friend. I’m crying for you both. Love, Corinne

Emma G.

Harry,

We met through Doreen. What I know is that you teamed with her to make the bungalow a happy place, filled with color, family and friends. By extension, you became part of my closer circle of friends.  Within the lives we have, the roller-coaster became a good ride, with ups and downs bearable with your companionship and love. What treasured moments you have shared, better than the grandest of all artists’ awards. Hugs for you who has loved and made this a better place for my friend Doreen. …and a kiss Cuban style. xxxooo

Bill E.

When Dan was 4 and we moved to Charlotte, we got to see uncle Harry more in those couple of years then we had in all the years combined before that. My only experience with being a dad and trying to do fun things with Danny had only been within the confines of that severely unhappy circle of Dan and me and his mom — always us 3 hanging out and a dark cloud over anything we tried to all do together …

I didn’t know how to rough house or play with a 4-year-old. Or how to do anything like that. Uncle Harry played a game that was like the claw? Or something like that that turned into a wrestling match. We did it there with him but it became our regular game at home that Dan loved so much. It evolved into “Fall down” which was our wrestling match and pillow/stuffed animal throwing fight game …

Harry gave us pass the pig and the connectivity hand with the metal ball magnets and plastic building parts to build shapes and stack, etc.

I feel like I learned whatever I know about how to do physical stuff and horseplay with a small kid from Harry. And the boys want it so much but I just figured there’s no real way to do it with someone so little

Harry is just fun. He has always been fun in every way and he loves kids so he is automatically an all-star to me.

Please take him to the cross of Jesus Christ and we will all be out to pasture together before long. I love you.

Diane R.

This message breaks my heart. I want to wish you both a happy anniversary and your priorities are so right. Spend every moment with each other. ️️️ Love you both!!!

Harry is so special! I love that you both have enjoyed so many experiences together – travel, art and family and friends. I love him for his love for you and how he supports you and helps with mom and loves art. Love his talent with construction and life! I love his calm demeanor and thoughtful ways. So many things but mainly his devotion to you and family.

Fred K.

I only met Harry once, so I can’t claim to know him or his work, but what he HAS meant to me is that he has been the man to finally make Doreen happy. She married him, which kind of says it all about his character and qualities. I’m so glad he succeeded, because she really deserves it.

Ashley H.

I was sad and teary all the way home. The world is losing a creative force, genius even, and I felt not only that weight but also the weight of the grief and pain you are each feeling. Please know I’m with you even if just in spirit.

Marianne W.

Doreen and Harry.

We love you. You’re the best neighbors ever! Thanks for putting up with our crazy antics next door.

Harry,

Thank you for all the little things. The waves from the porch. The fabulous fresh okra and tomatoes. Arguing with Marianne over who’s cutting the grass this week.  The friendship from our first day in the neighborhood almost 12 years ago. The fabulous artwork. The smiles every day.

We’ll miss you…until we see you again.

We love you both!   Matthew, Michael, and Marianne

Kathy and Denny W.

Dear Doreen, have the picture on my fridge of you and Harry on your wedding day. You in your beautiful blue sparkle dress and Harry in his suit and tie. You both look so happy; you were so happy. Coming to the family reunion that summer and we had all the wedding stuff ready. Of course, me and Denny have all those wonderful visits and laughs from all the years of staying with us. We looked forward to everyone, every year. Denny couldn’t wait to golf with Harry, always said what a great golfer Harry was. I’m sure I could write a book on my memories along with the kids and the boys with their memories. All good! When you and I are together we will remember all the good times. We are all so lucky to have you as part of our family. Love you and tell Harry me and Denny love him and we wish him peace.

Georgeanne W. C.

Dear Doreen,

This is my favorite Harry story, Sometime in the early 2000’s, I came to Atlanta for a work conference. I think I was staying at some fancy, schmancy Marriott downtown and you all were coming to pick me up for dinner. I came down to the entrance where the valets were welcoming guests, looking all around for you because I didn’t know your car. As I’m walking down the driveway trying to look like I belonged in this hotel, I heard a car horn blaring, screaming Cuban music, and someone yelling as loudly as he could, “Oye, vieja!” Obvious to all, because there was no way to hide this undignified commotion, this greeting was for me. No one was fooled that I was a frequent guest of the Marriott. I had Motel 6 all over me.

And then I saw Harry’s face. Half his body was hanging out of the car window and both hands were waving in the air like he was signaling a Coast Guard helicopter for rescue. His face was so full of joy and excitement at seeing me. All of this enthusiasm was for me. All of this rigamarole was for me. I loved it. And I loved him.

I loved him because even though Harry really didn’t know me, that didn’t matter. He knew you loved me and so he loved me. He loved you enough to listen to our silly stories from 9th grade and wanted to become a part of them no matter how foolish.  Harry fully embraced our decades old traditions of Citrus Grove and Miami High created by his wife and her girlfriends and he gave them value.  He gave you value. And he gave me value. F— the Marriott. I had just been welcomed by the Waldorf Astoria.

I love you dear friend. And I love Harry. I love that he shares my father’s name. Let me know when Jesus shows up, or Mary (because you’re Catholic).

Much love, G

Jackie Z.

Harry exudes sweetness, calmness, and a gentle spirit. The connection between you guys is precious and beautiful. I am so thankful to Harry for the happiness he has brought to you in your life. You guys complete each other, and that makes my heart full because you guys have a rare and beautiful connection. Harry brought happiness to you my wonderful friend, and I will always love him dearly for that. I remember an amazing moment at your retirement party when Harry unveiled that white thing that he made for you with all of your papers on it. I was awed by that, and thought… what a tender moment, Harry put so much love and labor into making that piece of art to make something so personal and special for you… something that displayed your accomplishments and your journey and his total appreciation of that. That moment really moved me… Then, there’s his friendship with Joe… through all of Joe’s medical trials and tribulations, Harry has helped and been supportive every time. He kept Joe company and showed genuine caring and concern. Joe had hip surgery after hip surgery, and Harry was there to talk, he was there to listen, he was there to stop by and go for a ride, or catch a movie. They bonded as friends and they never missed a beat when the situation changed and Harry got sick and Joe became the support person in their relationship. Also, the connection that Matthew shares with Harry through the art is special. Matt told me once how interesting Harry was, and that he wanted to know his story. He was intrigued by Harry ‘s unique creativity. I know they spoke several times about art and some other things… I trust their friendship sparked joy for both of them.  And to you my friend, I say… stay strong, I love you, I’m here for you. Happy anniversary to both of you. And just like Harry did when you retired… Today, you have presented him with a beautiful gift that is motivated by your true love for him… A gift that encourages his friends to pause to remember the beauty, the love, and the kindness that Harry exudes to all of his friends. Having Harry’s friends write to him is a wonderful, thoughtful, heartfelt anniversary gift, and I’m sure he loves it. Much love, prayers, take care, I am here anytime and always if you need me…

Joe Z.

I got to know Harry because of you and Jackie. Otherwise I would have missed out on a great friendship. When I was laid up at home from my hip, he would check in on me and bring me lunch and hang out. When I got better, we would go downstairs and play pool or watch a movie. Sometimes he would pick me up and we would go out and have lunch and then go to the movies. One thing I learned from Harry was to learn to like barbecue, that was his favorite, so we traveled to many different places. Praise the Lard or the Dillard’s by the train tracks. He made some Polish food pierogies. We saw all kinds of movies PG no X rated or sex movies. We were straight up senior citizens. We didn’t drink or chase women when we went out. It was out to lunch and a movie, then home. I know he is very good at golf and I am very bad so he is lucky he never had me as a golf partner. I probably would be great at carrying his golf bag. I know he is someone I care a lot about and a friendship I cherish

LOVE Always, Ari Amnetsang

Ari is praying for Jaja.

Donna E.

Harry – you mean so much to me

Harry, you are one of the kindest, most gentle, unselfish, thoughtful, and caring persons I have known in my life. You are joyful and giving, always ready to lend a hand and to go out of your way to make others happy. You ask for nothing. I thank God for you, Harry, such a blessing to me, to your family and friends near and far, and to everyone you have ever encountered in your life.

The work of art you gave me is so treasured, and I think of you every time I look at it. You are an artist who has graced this world with your works of art – sculptures in your yard and all the pieces around Atlanta as well as other places.

The food that you cook brings joy to everyone – the pierogi recipes from your family have pleased us and nourished us. I imagine times gone by when you shared these with your large and wonderful family, traditions that will live in memory and make us think about happy family times together. Your popcorn is always a special treat, and you are so thoughtful and giving, once again thinking of us and taking the time to make it for us. Your ribs on the grill and many other wonderful dishes you cook with loving hands and generous heart have nourished us so much more than in the moment.

Harry, you live life to the fullest, and I see you smiling. I feel so sad when I think of how you have endured so bravely the effects of cancer on your body, and I know that you are in God’s hands. God sent you Doreen to share life with, to spend many happy times together and moments that are forever meaningful and valuable. Harry, we are all so much better for having you as a significant presence in our lives. You have a wonderful son and beautiful family.

Harry, I love you yesterday, today, and always. You are in my heart, and I thank you for the gift of you. God bless you, Harry. Your spirit and soul are so beautiful.

Love, Donna Ellis

Doreen, Happy anniversary to you & Harry & I wish you special moments & memories of your wonderful years together. So happy you made such a wonderful match & are so devoted to each other. Truly a blessing.

Pema T.

Please tell him I love him and I’ve been praying for him since the beginning. I’m very sorry I couldn’t be there while he’s in this condition. I don’t know what to write for Harry. I do love him as my own father.

Susan C.

Jennifer E. L.

Harry is such a kind and gentle person. He is a great listener.  He is quick to laugh and we love his laugh. He is an incredible artist and teacher.  I know he makes you happy and your love is an example to others.  Enjoy your anniversary and your time together. We love you both so much. Xoxo

Grandma (“Mom” to Harry) Cestari

He is a wonderful guy. And I didn’t know him sooner.

And God does love him. Love, Mom

Doreen, I was looking forward to the help he was to have, but God knows he suffered like a dog this last time they took him in, took his colon etc. Oh, my Jesus, may he rest In peace, now. He was the best!

Mom

Ann M.

Harry was always my “cool” uncle. I know my mom loved him and is waiting for him along with Ma, Ta, Carol and Ray. A spirit like his will always live on.  strength to you and Alex,  luv you all!

Sevadevi Darka K.

My dear Doreen and Harry, There are no words in this material world that could help me to say how I feel about you, Harry!!!. Both of you proved to me how life can be beautiful, full of love, compassion, integrity – a meaningful, worth living!!! As I said before you two are UNICORNS- so rare to find in today’s world! I firmly believe when we meet in this life and a bond of love is created- we never go apart- for a long time! We meet again, we recognize each other, we travel together again and again- until we are complete- we become one again. I love you so so so much Harry!!!

Val and Todd G.

Doreen, I wish I could walk up to your house right now & give you a big hug . You & Harry have been in mine (& Todd’s) prayers. Yes, this pandemic has kept us from seeing the 2 of you & we have wished we could come & visit you both. Even though we haven’t been around you both very much, we know what kind & special people you both are. We have enjoyed our visits. Harry was so sweet to my granddaughter when she wanted to walk through your backyard to see all of his beautiful creations & artwork. Plus, I know how excited he is about your new screened in porch. I know he has enjoyed being able to sit out there. That’s why we went ahead & finished ours. So thanks for letting us come in & see it Harry!!. We love you both & pray that you will find comfort in knowing the ONE who holds all things together & has this in his hands. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever “Psalm 73:26 

Brian W.

What I remember and appreciated about Harry was how positive and jovial, upbeat and classy, he would be, even when there was tension in the room. This may not be the most heartwarming story or memory, but I admired Harry for his ability to remain calm, friendly and positive when people around him were trying to be confrontational or negative. He was a very sweet and loving guy. Very caring.

Bruce and Kathy B.

Dear Harry & Doreen,

We just wanted to send you all our warmest thoughts. We remember the time we came to visit you and Doreen at the house in Buford. You gave us a tour of your studio, and we were so blown away with all your tools, creativity, and imagination. Harry, your ability to see ordinary objects, and then repurpose those objects into art is a gift. Your use of color and shape is amazing. So, the tour you gave us so many years ago of your studio and your warm hospitality still remains with us and, like your art, will endure.  We always remember the food and your great garden; it was so neat to find all that in a backyard!  While the term “Renaissance Man” is often overused, for you it truly rings true.

Peace and Love, Bruce and Kathy.

Barbara J.

Dear Harry,

Thank you for being a good husband to my dear friend, Doreen, in so many ways. Your patience, encouragement, and excellent cooking supported her as she worked with students in a challenging environment in addition to completing her doctorate. Your respect and gentle humor were evident in the obelisk sculpture you created for her to honor her work, ideas, and success.

Thank you for always taking the time, no matter how you were feeling, to welcome me into your home, ask about my life, and even talk with me about spirituality.

Thank you for sharing your artwork with the world.  Your colorful benches offer a beautiful, restful place both physically and mentally for weary travelers, and your rejoicing man sculpture reaching upward is a testimony to the hope you have for the world to change for the better.

And finally, thank you for sharing your tools, creativity and artistic expertise with me; you taught me to believe in the power of art.

I wish you peace.

With love, Barbara Jacobsen

Denise K.

Ty and Robin I.

Harry was such a kind sweet man; we will miss him. God bless you.

Julie E. & Pat B.

We loved him so much and will miss him.

I’m holding you both so close to my heart. So many thoughts swimming around my mind, I’m sorry this is so long but I couldn’t stop writing. What a blessing it is to know you both. Thank you for bringing Harry into our lives.

Harry:

I can’t remember the first time I met you. I believe that’s because it felt like I always knew you.

I have no right to love you so much. I don’t get to see you often. But I’ve loved you from afar, for as long as I can remember – you goofy, adventurous, genius of a man. You’re really something. And everyone knows it.

You connect with people. You want to know them and you’re not afraid for them to know you. You don’t tiptoe around – you don’t dilute – you want the good, the bad and the ugly. You want to bring it in for a great big bear hug. You want to swing the kids around, to get on the floor and play. You dive in and help. You participate. You wonder. You listen. You encourage. Because even before this cancer a–hole boarded the ship, you knew the importance of things. You knew what mattered and what did not. There were so many intangibles in your measure of success, and it shows.

Your passion and kindness, these have been evident at all times. No one around you has ever known anything else. Unless you were dealing with someone who was an oppressor, or took advantage, or lived in an unscrupulous way and in those cases you met them eye to eye. With your booming voice and strength. With a courage that only integrity can bring. Fighting for every underdog, a true gentle giant.

And while the light and the joy inside of you is felt on so many levels, the true marvel is how much you’ve brought to others.

I’ve been remembering the time at Grandma’s fancy birthday party in Coconut Grove where Matt knocked over your piping hot cappuccino, right onto your lap. And the way that you responded in such a kind-hearted, forgiving way. Your kindness was immediate – not something you had to wait and breathe deeply for. Kids knew it. They always knew who the fun one was. They knew who wouldn’t be easily offended or too tired or too “adult” to play. All they could ever ask was, Will Uncle Harry be there?

The laughs. My goodness. And the smiles you have. Sometimes just the thought of one of your expressions makes me laugh.

I remember the time we got into a heated argument about social injustice, where you recognized a scathing inequality – years ago, before it was all over the news. You cared little about what was socially acceptable, or being right for the sake of being right. You only cared for truth and justice – it bothered you to the core that the people who had no voice of their own were being treated unfairly. I’m not sure what I was arguing – probably being obtuse, or a privileged a–hole. But even on the other side of our frustrating discussion, your goal was unity – never division. I wish I could sit on the patio with you now, and talk about a million things.

I always remember the love you share with Aunt Doreen. So strong and so pure, ready to fight for or forgive at any moment. What a blessing to know that kind of love. What a strange blessing to know this sadness now, that only the biggest love can create.

I remember the time we looked through your photos of Poland together. I was at a crossroads in life – one of many. Watching your out-of-the-box take on things, learning how young you were at the time – how you jumped into life even from the beginning, just being around you was a cathartic place for a disengaged, disillusioned version of myself to be. The whole time I was thinking how much of your heart you put into everything you do. Your family, your community, your projects, your craft, perfect strangers. You weren’t spinning your wheels, or killing time. You weren’t waiting for a perfect opportunity. You were showing up as your authentic self. Fearless.

What a way to live. A soulful, curious, unmitigated empath, who heads directly for the marrow in all things. What an example of what a human being in this crazy, wonderful, sad and beautiful place should be.

I will never forget this. Nor the big grin on your face in the midst of chaos, handing me a Jameson and ginger ale.

I will never stop trying to be this – not until my journey here closes as well.   And I love you both so much.

Bill C.

Doreen,

When you and Harry married, I gave you a little Swarovski Crystal Angel.  I told ya’ll it was to watch over you both in good times and in difficult times.  It would keep you both and bless you both with love and happiness.  Now in this most difficult time, I pray that the Good Lord will send a real Angel to sit by your sides and bless you both with his Loving Grace and comfort you both.  May God Bless Harry and you, Alex, and the entire family.

Bill

Daphne E.

Very Dear Doreen:  I just read your messages.  Thanks for making it easier for all of us who love you both with the lovely picture your message conveyed of Harry’s passing “guided by angels and surrounded by love.”  It helped to ease the pain and sadness I have felt throughout that there was nothing I was able to do. But we have such wonderful memories of our visits in your home where the food and company was always special, and where Harry’s quiet, warm and always genuine welcome  assured you of a lovely visit. Therefore, today although grieving with you, those memories are where I’ll take refuge and pray for courage and wisdom for all of us to meet the challenges of the future. Thank you for always keeping me informed.  You mean a lot to us.  Love, Me.

Scottie S.

I feel I never got to spend a lot of time getting to know Harry, but I always felt like he had a quiet presence when I was at your place.  I loved seeing where he made his art and remember seeing his exhibit at the house in Sandy Springs which my first experience of seeing what he had made.  Doreen, you had a special man in your life!

Love, Scottie

Bobbie D.

We’re so very sorry to hear Doreen. He was an amazingly beautiful, talented wonderful person. We’ll miss him terribly.

Elena V.

My Garden Is My Sanctuary

As I look out to my garden
I feel a sense of pride
It really is a lovely room
Except it is outside.

Where lovely things mix and match
And greenery fills the walls
The sound of trickling water
Coming from the gold fish pond.

I love the sight of stones and rocks
And driftwood and tree ferns too
The sounds of all my chimes
I know you would like it too.

With pride I walk around my garden
And savour each scent and smell
Colours of yellow, red and gold
Striped cushion on a bench.

The bird bath has its own domain
It’s placed beside a wooden arch
Where all the birds come to bathe
And drink when they are parched.

Ladybirds can hide away
Sometimes they come out to see
What’s happening around them
With caterpillars and the bees.

There’s not much more that I can say
Except if you have your own
It won’t take long to build it up
Seeds will bloom once they are sown.

My Dear Harry,

I have written this letter over and over again, but I always failed to capture what my heart wanted to say to you. My hope is that you will hear my heart and feel my love for you now that your spirit is free.  We don’t have much family here, yet without reservation you took us under your wing and opened your home to not only me, but the four of us. Despite my long hours at work, we never went hungry because you loved on us through your cooking. You made us feel cared for and welcomed.

When Sammy was diagnosed with her illness and we switched to homeschool, you swept both of my girls into your care and became their teacher. You taught them to trust their instinct and believe in themselves. You gave Sabrina confidence and made her feel like a success when she created her bench, lamp, and her first sculpture which all remain proudly in our home. And Sammy, well, you taught her patience. I most remember when Sammy proudly went to class with her American Flag project. It stood out above the rest. All of the Hebron students looked at it with envy and even offered $100 for her project, but Sammy proudly claimed it as her own and kept you as her secret. My second deepest memory is when the girls proudly marched in displaying the ornaments you had them paint. They spoke of the hours they spent creating their masterpieces and carefully hung their ornaments on our tree. I marveled at the beauty you helped them create. Then you filled me in that it was organic – very organic “scat,” and the girls and I giggled for hours (once we figured out what it was).

You gifted us memories of our first LEAF concert.  Somehow you even managed to get Minh to agree, something he would only do for you. We watched as you and Doreen danced and waved your arms together as the music played. You taught us to be free. You taught Sabrina to garden even in her wedged heels. You taught Sammy to see the World differently, something that is permanently instilled in her heart. Thank you for being a surrogate grandfather to our girls. Your legacy lives in them and I hope they will make you proud.

Thank you for being a friend to both Minh and I.  Too often we are consumed by our work, but you and Doreen helped remind us to enjoy. Thank you for all the garage sale trips we took together, the dinner out, the mojitos, and the Art Shows. Thank you for spending Thanksgiving with us, celebrating birthdays, and for filling our home with happiness. Thank you for all the International Nights that you helped me set up and take down. Thank you for sharing Doreen with me. Thank you for all of bags of popcorn that we couldn’t stop eating. Thank you for encouraging me to believe in myself.

I will miss you. I will forever be grateful to you for all you have given to us as individuals and to us as a family.  We love you and hold you deeply and dearly in our hearts.

You are forever our family. You are forever with us.

We love you.