Hilda Salguero: Sept 13, 1925 - Sept. 11, 2009

The Dolphins lost a big fan today. My mom, Hilda Salguero, passed at precisely 4:59 this afternoon. She would have been 84 years old on Sunday.

You've perhaps read on this blog the past couple of days that I was out with an "injury." Well, that is partially true. I've been suffering from a broken heart.

After I was finished with a radio show Monday evening, I called my mom with the intention of checking in and telling her I was going home to watch the Hurricanes. Normally sharp and cheerful, she was unresponsive on the phone. I knew right away something was wrong. When I arrived at her apartment, I knew it was bad as she had fallen and was dazed.

She had suffered a massive stroke from which she did not recover.

I know this is a football blog and I hesitated to post these facts on here. I know you come here for news. You come for entertainment. You come for analysis. You come because you enjoy my work. And some of you come simply because you love to hate me.

No matter the reason, all of you come here to read what I have to say. And I need to say this:

All I am and what I do is directly a result of my mother and father. And even as they are now both departed from this world, the reason I am here is because of them.

In 1967, my mother and father went to the Havana Airport to bring me to the United States. It wasn't about them. They could adapt to a new government. But they just didn't want me growing up in a terrible communist dictatorship. That day at the airport that regime showed its colors even as we were boarding our flight to Miami. They checked me in, and then they told my parents, both of whom had exit papers, that only one would be permitted to board the Eastern Airlines jet. Only two of three Salgueros, they had decided, would be allowed to leave that day and for a long time to come.

My dad stayed behind. And my mother brought me to this country. She didn't know the language. She didn't have a cent. All she knew is she was saving me for a better life. And that was the theme of her existence for many years after that.

She worked two jobs so I could be enrolled in private elementary school.

She saved for a coat to wear during New York's harsh winters, but used the money to buy me a TV instead. I learned to speak English watching that tiny black-and-white TV.

When my dad was allowed to come to this country in 1970, he came home to a nice, furnished New York apartment -- nothing grand, but respectable.

My mom never graduated high school. When I came home with homework I didn't comprehend, she couldn't help me. But she would encourage me to read the problem through over and over. She would pray I would get it. And most of the time, that worked.

She woke up at 4 a.m. every day to walk me to a sitter. Then she'd take a bus and two trains to work. She'd get home around 7 p.m. and start the routine all over again the next day. One time, when I was 7, the sitter had taken me grocery shopping with her kids. While her kids didn't carry any of the groceries home, she forced me to carry two one-gallon milk jugs -- one in each arm.

Later that night when I complained to my mom that my arms hurt, she asked me why. When I told her, she went looking for the sitter to confront her and curse her out.

I was always the smallest kid in my class because I skipped second grade due to some higher test scores. This one kid picked on me constantly and I became afraid of school. My mom asked me why and when I told her, she took me to school the next day, found the kid, pushed him up against a wall and warned him not to ever pick on me again. She also gave the kid a note with her name and told him to tell his parents what had happened.

The kid's mom, a strapping giant woman who dwarfed my mom, showed up at school the next day as did my mother. I'm not exactly sure what transpired between them, but for some reason that bully stopped picking on me after that. In fact, for a while he became kind of my bodyguard, keeping all the older boys from picking on me.

Oh, and by the way, I didn't need a body guard very long. My mom took me home after her confrontation and enrolled me in boxing. She warned me never to allow myself to get bullied again, otherwise, she said, she would whip me and then search out the bully to allow him to whip me.

Never had that issue again.

The Dolphins were my mom's team. She loved them because she loved me. I once explained to her that when the team won, my job was easier. The players are friendlier. The stories are generally better. Everyone is more cooperative.

So she rooted hard for the aqua and orange. She watched every game, partly, she said, hoping for a glimpse of me in the press box. We'd talk after every game and she'd either complain about the plays and players that led to a defeat or celebrate those that brought the victory. The last couple of years, she told me she couldn't watch some games all the way through because the ebb and flow of the action was too much and caused her chest pains.

She loved Jay Fiedler because, she would say, he was such a fighter. She loved Ricky Williams because I explained what he is like and she decided he is his own man. That is something to be admired, she would say. Last year, she decided Ronnie Brown was also among her favorites because he triggered wildcat and she recognized it was different and bold. And she loved different and bold.

My mom would have been 84 years old on Sunday. The scheduling was troubling to me because her birthday coincided with the Dolphins' regular-season opener at Atlanta. It wasn't a great choice for me because I knew I would have to miss one or the other. I had decided to miss my mom's birthday, because she understood work is work.

Now, I'm going to miss both. 

Comments

[Bob]

Armando

Sympathies and condolences for a fine lady. She's probably wearing Orange and Aqua for you.

Puede ella se reclina en paz.

NHPhinsFan

[Brian Sharman]

Mando--

Beautiful piece from the heart. My condolences for your loss. She sounds like a great lady!

God bless.

[Jeff Jubenville]

Armond,

Well, reading your article everyday, and seeing your face, one kind of begins to think they sort of know you. We are all very sorry for your loss, and pray you find peace in that she is at peace

Thank you for sharing that with us, your Mom sounds like a great lady!!...Take Care My Friend..

Jeff J

[yankohlg]

God Bless your mom,thanks for sharing your love

[ErDelfin]

Mando, my sincere condolences.

Thanks for writing about it. The stories behind the story are more often than not, amazing. Your mom was a very courageous woman. It's incredible what parents will do for their kids.

[Frank]

So sorry for to hear about the passing of your Mom! Know she is in a better place!

[nposada]

My condolences Armando

[Football Whisperer]

My mother is the same way and I have always held her in high regard for what she did and how she sacrificed for me, sometimes even going hungry to feed us. Your Mom and mine are the type of women all others should be compared to and emulated. My condolences on your loss.

[pramis]

Dear Armando:

I am so sorry for your loss and hope that God can give you comfort and peace at this time. I lost my father when I was three, and my Mom was my only parent, so when I was reading your words, I could associate very much with your experiance. My mom is about the same age as your, and I am been preparing myself mentally for when the day comes that she is no longer with me, which will be devastating. I feel for you and you will be in my prayers.

[tony diaz]

My sincere condolences for you and your family,a great lady will be close to the Lord,my prayers will be with Salguero Family

[Robert]

Wish the Best Mando, sorry fot the you loss!

[Sean]

Mando,

Sorry for your loss! but I'm glad you had the fortune of having parents who raised you well and helped you be the man you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hesitate to say this because I don't want it to sound like I'm minimizing her death because I'm not, but it is a great story. It had me choked up a bit. My condolances to you and your family.

[Knish]

My condolonces to you and your family.
Your Mom sound like a wonderful person, putting her loved ones ahead of all others including herslelf.

[cocoajoe]

My condolences Mando.

[Mike]

Thank you for sharing your pain and this story. I am sorry for your loss. Just know that although the loss will always be felt, the good feelings you have about your parents and their unselfishness will grow even stronger with time. May your mom rest in peace. Please be thankful that she lived a long productive life.

[RickyZ]

deepest sympathy for your loss. i went thru somthing similar. i helped take care of my mother who had terminal cancer 13 years ago. i was in disbelief that the doctors said she only had 6 months to live. i didnt believe them. they were right. although that was the most painful thing ive ever been thru. it helps me today get thru the tough times. she wanted to live but god had other plans for her. so now i live for not only me but for my mother. it sounds like you had a great mother armando. peace be wth you.

[Kris]

Armando, thanks for sharing such an inspirational story. I wish you and your family all the best.

[Kiick72]

Armando,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You have all of our deepest sympathies.

God Bless You and Your Family.

[Wasse]

Dear Armando,
I cannot possibly pretend to say I know how you feel. Truth is I don't. Both my parents are still alive. What I can tell you is that reading your tribute to your lovely Mother made me remember how much of their lives my parents have given to me, and how much I take for granted. I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know you personally but your post gives me a look at what a great human being your Mother raised.
Thank you for everything your post has reminded me of.
All the best,
JJ

[souljahbeats]

Armando,

Sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom sound like she was a great person. Be strong.

[Baghdad on the Bayou]

Deepest regrets Armando. Your mom sounds like a very special lady. You can post material like that anytime you like.

[Keepsake]

Very sorry about your loss, it always reminds what is most important. Family and loved ones.

[Ken]

Armando:

You have my condolences. Keep up the good work here, we appreciate it and I am sure your mom did too.

[PhinsDominate]

Sorry for you loss Armando.

She will be with you always remember that through all the good times and bad as she was when she was alive.

[OldPhinFan]

Armando,

I'm very sorry for your loss, I haven't lost any of my parents, but my dad is 86 with declining health.

I read your story and it's very similar to my own, my parents also migrated to this country when I was seven from Cuba. I know about the hardship they endured to make our life better. The is the true measure of love, when you loose everything and ask nothing in return.

Always remember what she did for you, and that she lives through you. You are your mother's son, everything that you have achieved is because of her sacrifice, and in turn you must also give back to those you love and ask nothing in return.

With condolences,

[Doc4040]

Armando I read your blogs all the time and find them funny and informative. This current post re the loss if your mother was nice, and I feel as though I really know your mother. I'm sorry for your lost and my prayers are with you.

[orlando almanza MD]

Symphaties to you and your family for the loss. A mother's love, comfort and understanding is unparallel and irreplaceable. I truly understand the feeling you're going thru at present. I lost my mother to cancer in 2005. She died in my arms, I could not do anything about it despite I'M a physician in towm. Up to this day sometimes I feel helpless but faith will help you get thru. God bless you and your family and keep you always comfortable.

[Ian]

I have been an avid reader for the past year or so. I never comment and generally stay away from such things, but I wish to send my sincerest condolences. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman, salt of the earth, and I wish you the very best during your grieving process.

[Blaine Taylor]

Sorry for your loss. I lost my dad when I was 11 so I know what you are going through. Lean on God during this time and you will be comforted.

[The man]

Sorry about your mom, she sounds like a very good woman. I hope you are doing okay. Good luck.

[Dustin]

Sorry for your loss Armando. We're glad your mother made all the sacrifices she did so that we could read this blog each and every day.

[Paul]

Armando,

As a fellow Cuban i understand your feeling about your parents taking you to Havana Airport
thinking of a better life for you here in the great USA. I am very sorry for your loss.

God Bless You & My Prayers Are With You & Family

Paul

[Landshark-13]

My heart goes out to you Armando.

[Lips]

Armando,

You have my most heartfelt and deepest sympathies.

Thank you for sharing her wonderful story, from her loving son's perspective. It is amazing how we applaud spontaneous heroic acts that are over and done with in minutes, yet spend much too little time celebrating tremendous courage and determination such as your mom showed in raising you and establishing your family in the US.

Your mom is a true hero. May she rest in eternal peace.

[Machric]

My condolences Armando. It seems as if you were blessed with an amazing mother.

[Common Sense Phin]

comparto con tus sentimentos. May God Bless you and your mom, Mando

[Jonathan]

Armando:

Mi Hermano siento mucho lo de tu mama, espero Dios te de muchas fuerzaa para seguir adelante.

La realidad es que todos vamos en el mismo camino pero nos cuesta aceptarlo, solo te puedo decir seguramente se donde este ya esta preparando el camino para cuando llegues.

Saludos y un Abrazo....

[Lew]

sad news .... thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[Larry C]

Armando, I am very sorry for your loss. May your mother R.I.P.

[dolphan2k]

Armando , dont really post much but i do send you my condolences. that was a very touching insight of your life. I wish you and your family the best, be strong.

[Cesar (Section 446 ROW 17)]

Armando I will pray tonight for you and your's and let us hope the Dolphins come out tomorrow with a Win for your Mom and My Grandmother who was also a dolphins fan and always cheered for the team i would cheer for. Thank you for everything and thank you for your courage to post this on your blog it shows your true color's and Im sure you mom will be watching the game from up the in sky and will be having a heck of a birthday party.

God Bless.

--Cesar.B.Vazquez

[GOpats]

HILDA IS VERY NICE ORIGINAL CLASSIC NAME FITS FOR A CLASSIC WOMAN HARD TO COME BY TODAY . IN fact every time you read a true classic story about a great mom it's always has an old original name attache to it filled w/ many interaction stories between mother and son or daughter who reaches success in the end. TODAY IT'S all about video games .

[jamaican's for Mando]

I Visit this blog daily and i've followed your work for years; and this news is shocking. I Feel extremely sad to know that you have to experience this pain and anguish. After reading the post I realized She was your champion and rock; constantly there durning all adversity. There is nothing I can say to lessen the blow of this harsh reality but as an avid reader I respect you immensely and it is quite clear your mothers values and love has made you a good person. Your mother will always be with you in spirt because your existence was her driving force and your existence will always cherish her love.

[Scott H]

My condolences to you for your loss and I pray for you and your mother, Armando. God Bless her for raising a fine young gentleman and giving of herself (and your father) to have a better life for you and your family. From what I read, it's obvious you made her proud and your article was fitting tribute to the woman who inspired you.

[FLPD]

WOW! Now, that is writing.

I am truly sorry for you loss, my brother. You need to be strong in this difficult time but at the same time allow your heart to grieve because that is a process.

I hope Tony Sparano makes every Dolphins player read this blog before Sunday's game, especially Ricky and Ronnie.

Then they could go out and win one for Hilda!

[Cesar (Section 446 ROW 17)]

Amen to FLPD's post. I hope he dose make them read it.

[Carlos Castro]

I'm very sorry for your loss Armando. I nornally read your bold from Washington DC to keep up with my Dolphins. I normally don't post or get involved with blogs but I made an exception today.

Thank you for sharing your moms story, I can relate as a Cuban immigrant and US citizen thanks to my mom's, and grandmother's sacrifices, which were very similar. This is why I'm moved to write you my condolences today.

Unfortunately their are many Cubans with similar stories of great mothers or fathers whom had to give up everything and start over for their sons and daughters.

May god have a special place for her by his side, I know I'm praying that he has one for my mom and grandma the day they pass.

God bless you and may he help you through this painful time my friend.

[SomeGuyInIowa]

Thank you for sharing something very personal. You are a very lucky person to have someone loving and caring like that for 84 years. May she rest in peace.

[CY]

Sorry for loss Mando. You do a great job with this column keeping the Dolphins fans who are no longer local updated. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Marc]

I follow your blog but rarely ever write - I felt I had to say something - Thank you for sharing your story. Your mother is very proud of you. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will pray for your family.

God bless!

Marc in Timmins, Ontario

[k-man]

Damn brought tears to my eyes. The world needs more mothers like yours.

[jon]

Armando:

Quite a woman, and your piece on her is the exact way to go. I always hope that when I go on, my friends and family just sit around and tell some stories about me for a while.

Sorry for this time, but happy for you that she's your Mom.

[imyahuckeberri]

I;m sorry for your loss Armando. Dolphin Nation and others are praying for brotha.

[Mark in Toronto]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't typing this without tears welling up. This was beautiul Mando. I can relate because I'm the youngest of 8 children of immigrant parents and our lives have certain parallels. I also lost my cherished father 5 years ago.

I wish you well, man. Continue to be proud of what your parents gave you and pass it to the next generation. I know it hurts now and will always hurt but soon you will be able to remember the good times fondly.

Peace and love.

[Gareth, Glasgow, Scotland]

Very sorry to hear this news Mando. In time the pain and hurt you are feeling now will turn into fond loving memories.

[David]

Armando,
Thank you for taking time out of what has to be a tough period in your life to share this with us. Just the thought of losing one of my parents is almost too tough to bare so I can't begin to understand what you must be feeling right now.

I found this to be a very moving tribute to your parents and am grateful that you chose to share this with us.

I will keep you in my prayers dring this tough time. May God guide you through this tough time.

[Craig M]

Armando,

Very sorry for your loss!! Thank you for sharing such a heart-warming story. It's obvious your Mom was a womderful person and her sacrifices made you who you are today. For that we all benefit. Take however long you need to deal with family and I'm sure we will all be thinking of you tomorrow while we enjoy our beloved Dolphins. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your touching story....

[RR]

Armando- Peace, Love, and Sympathy to you.

[Oviedo Dolpfan]

Sorry Armando. You have my condolences...Hopefully the Phins will shock the world this year and make her happy!

[Tcarty]

I grew up in a very similar way. My Mom is still with me and your story reminds me how much Moms complete the universe.