John Raposo - Greatly Missed, Always Loved

                                               You are greatly missed.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal".
                                                                                                                  ~From a headstone in Ireland


                                                                                                     

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.

Flowers for John Raposo

Because you loved flowers

 

John Raposo

There is not a day that goes by that you are not in our thoughts
and in our hearts - you are greatly missed. 

"Mourning is one of the most profound human experiences that it is possible to have... The deep capacity to weep for the loss of a loved one and to continue to treasure the memory of that loss is one of our noblest human traits".-- Shneidman (1980)

College Street, Toronto (Little Italy)

I miss you everyday

It’s been four months since you were taken away from us. Our hearts are heavy with grief and it seems that the pain will never subside.  Words could never describe how each and every day there are reminders of you in this world - you are missed - your smile, your love and your presence.

My Brothers Hands

As my brother and friend you always took care of me and had the wonderful ability to fix anything. I remember when we were in our 20's and at still living at home and I called out to you as a vein in my finger had burst - I was in pain and had no idea what was happening.  You quickly took my hand into yours and massaged my finger outwards, telling me "always do this away from you heart and not towards it" - you didnt stop until I felt better.  Your ability to fix physical objects was more than a talent as when you used your hands to do anything you had the heart to go with it. - I miss you