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March 10, 2000
Perspective: My Memory of
Hiroe Clow
By Noriko Adcock
San Diego
I have encountered many people in my lifetime. One woman
who made a strong impression upon my life was Mrs. Hiroe
Clow.
In 1964, my whole family moved from San Diego to Seattle
due to my husband?s job transfer. There I met Mrs. Clow,
who was the chapter leader. It took two hours from where
I lived to drive to her home, which served as a center
for our SGI activities for propagation. At times, after
introducing people to Nichiren Daishonin?s Buddhism, we
would drive back to her place late in the evening, cheerfully
singing Gakkai songs in the car such as “Takeda
Soldier”. We all felt so refreshed after sharing
this practice with others. My memory of those days are
still vivid, as if they happened just yesterday.
At that time, I was only a year-and-a-half member. Hiroe
Clow really took good care of me in faith. Her honesty
and straightforwardness captured my heart. I really liked
her. Her remarks were succinct yet profound, and at times
she was strict, yet warm. The depth of her passion was
awesome. Indeed she was an amazing leader.
Then, due to changes in my circumstances, I returned to
San Diego with my three children. Thus I no longer had
opportunities to spend time with Mrs. Clow. I wish I could
have practiced even longer with her. Had I been able to
practice longer with her, I could have probably grown
much more in faith.
In 1974, our organization?s convention was held in San
Diego, and I happened to hear that Mrs. Clow was in town
for this event. Delighted, I looked for her all over the
convention site. When we were able to see each other again,
we hugged each other and cried together.
As years passed by, I had begun practicing with Nichiren
Shoshu and was astounded to hear that Hiroe Clow sued
High Priest Nikken Abe about the Seattle Incident. I was
convinced that Mrs. Clow was telling the truth, but since
I belonged to the temple, I was not in a position to express
my trust in her. And even if I had defended her, I doubt
anyone in the temple would have believed me.At that time,
I really wanted to hear directly from her about this matter.
I knew she would tell me the truth.
Incidentally, I had received a letter from her in which
she says, “Please come and see me in Los Angeles
since I have moved from Seattle to Los Angeles.”
Tragically, however, I lost her letter and could not contact
her. In those days, since the SGI leaders knew that I
was a member of the temple, I doubted they would give
me her address. While I gave up visiting her, I heard
the sad news that she passed away. I deeply regret that
I did not see her before she died.
I chanted all day for her before I wrote this. While I
was chanting I sensed that Hiroe Clow was by me, smiling,
and I could not stop crying. It was a wondrous experience.
I now firmly believe she is the one who feels happiest
about my return to the SGI. At the same time, I vowed
to follow in her footsteps in faith, trying to build up
my faith even to the point where my faith is an inch closer
to hers.
Hiroe Clow, I will pray for your peace and lasting happiness.
You were a great senior in faith and a friend for whom
I deeply cared. Toward the verdict of the Seattle Incident
trial on March 21, I will chant for justice to be proven.
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