Helping Strangers - John Raposo

This weather we have been experiencing in Toronto has been a reminder to me of how wonderful my brother was as a person who helped others. Years ago when it actually snowed more than a couple of cm in the city my brother would make it a point to have towing ropes in his car. As an act of kindness he would pull the cars of people who were stuck in the snow. He did this for the simple words of "thank you" from a stranger.

The past few weeks with all the snow and icy conditions I couldn't help to think about all the strangers who were stuck on the roads and waiting for someone like my brother to stop and just take the time to help.

John Raposo was one of a kind. Its sadness me to think that he will never greet a stranger and help them so generously.

Your radiant energy is greatly missed.  

The picture was below was taken where you were laid to rest. As I stood there as the sun was setting, the sun rays suddenly broke through the trees and it was just like having you walk in a room and light it up with your smile. 

The Meaning of Christmas

The true meaning of Christmas is not the giving or receiving of gifts but the time spent with loved ones.  I can remember Christmas Eve being such a special time for us during our youth, going to midnight mass before coming home to feast on a meal together.  To  our later years when we would gather to wait for the hour of midnight to celebrate in cheer and be the first to say "Merry Christmas" to each other.  It saddens me so much this year that all I could do for you was place a wreath at the place where you took your last breath. It is so disheartening to think you are no longer with us here to share in all the joy and happiness the holiday season is supposed to bring.  For all the Christmas' in the future will not hold the same energy as when you were there to celebrate it with us.  You are greatly missed John.

John Raposo, Toronto, Ontario

John Raposo was born July 27 1976, in Toronto, Ontario. He was a happy, kind and caring person who illuminated any room he entered.  Those who knew John Raposo personally had the honor of making a connection with a person who lived and loved life.  Being a friend of John meant you had a friend always.