Thanks for your project. I like this site. KEEP IT UP..e
-Dan (July 21, 2008)
" The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality." - John Quincy Adams. Jon's life was one of happy service to others, a service that lives on. As Albert Schweitzer once wrote "... the only ones who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." He learned to serve others from the example of his Mom and Dad. They both live a life of service for others. I am indebeted to Jon's Father for his godly example of service. I pray for Jon's family and his wife during my personal devotions, I know he is safe in the arms of Jesus our Lord, Jon's Lord and the day will come when Jesus returns and calls us all to Him. I look forward to that day knowing Jonathan will be there with his friendly smile to greet us all. - Tim
-Tim Fisher (July 1, 2008)
Today, June 13th is Jon's birthday. It's hard to believe that 26 years ago at 3:43 a.m. I gave birth to this beautiful, chunky baby boy who grew up to be such an incredible young man. I should be baking & cooking all of Jon's favorites, wrapping gifts, and waiting for him to come home. Instead, I will be at a gravesite, placing flowers, crying & having my heart broken into a million pieces again. This is not how is should be. This is not how it was supposed to be. I don't need to be at the cemetery to remember, cry or have my heart broken. Jon's face is before my eyes each day; his memory is alive in my mind & heart. Today, as I think of all the past birthdays we celebrated I am ever so grateful that Jon was my son even if it was for only a little while. He would drive me nuts at times, he would go 100 m.p.h. & never seem to slow down, but he was always such a happy kid, so full of life & enthusiasm, so curious about everything around him,so colorful & ever so humorous! And what a joy to have around.
Growing up he had his share of hurts & bumps in the road. Yet he always bounced back on his feet with the most positive attitude saying "tomorrow is a new day".......he was so tender hearted & caring to all around him, he was so appreciative for the smallest & slightest deed done for/to him. His friendliness was outstanding & he would talk to everyone & make friends everywhere he went. I never met anyone with such a sense of humor. He really would/could uplift anyone in their darkest hour. Many times when I think about Jon & remember something he said or did, I just have to laugh through my tears. Anyone who knew Jon well knows exactly what I mean by that.
I could write countless pages giving examples of what a devoted son/brother/nephew/cousin/neighbor and friend he was. He truly was THE best. This morning I went downstairs to feed Jon's dog (who also was born on June 13th) and instead of my usual greeting "Hey Rusty"...I inadvertently came out with "Hey Jonny"...............the poor dog ran to the glass doors & looked down the hill. He stood there for the longest time as ifis master, Jon. So how am I, as his mother, supposed to "get over" his loss? Sometimes I too for a brief moment "wait" for Jon to come home thinking & hoping all this is a just an awful nightmare or mistake.
Today, I will have extra special thoughts of Jon, of the love & bond we shared, of the joy, laughter & happiness he brought into so many lives - most of all mine. Never was a son more wanted or loved. While we are separated by the corridor of life & the doorway of heaven, may you rest in peace my beloved son. We will have all eternity to celebrate all your birthdays!
Remembering Jon today - thinking of him with all my love. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (June 13, 2008)
Its your birthday Jonny.... I woke up this morning thinking about you today. Man we miss you...
Thank you for everything and for playing such a significant part in the lives of so many of us here.
See you soon
Denise
- (June 13, 2008)
I miss you Jonny. I think of you and your family a lot. The end of time is coming so I will see you soon. Tomorrow is your birthday and you will be in my thoughts. My prayers will be with the Cadavero Family.
-Lillian Portillo Loza (June 12, 2008)
Even though so much time has passed, the image of Jon walking towards me is as clear as ever. I just finished my first step in becoming an EMT and he is the only person I want to celebrate with. I felt him with me every step of the way, from the classroom to the field giving CPR. I remember two nights before he was taken from us, he was teaching me everything he knew about medicine. Those words stayed with me.
I always read the messages left here and feel so blessed and honored that he chose me to be his wife. From the first time I saw him I couldn't take my eyes off him. Jon showed me so much, he taught me so much and I miss him dearly and I love him with all my heart.
-Michelle Cadavero (June 11, 2008)
“Beyond the door, There's peace I'm sure . . . And I know there'll be no more Tears in heaven!”
~ Excerpt from Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”
Well, Jonny -- there may be ‘no more tears in heaven,’ but there are certainly a’plenty here on earth. Your family and friends will mourn your loss always, and extra-specially on those milestone dates like today - and throughout the year. So as you blow out those twenty-six birthday candles in heaven today, we’ll be marking the day down here for you as well. And smiling fondly as we recall cherished memories of you. You left more footprints on many more hearts than you’ll ever know!
~ Debra Valle and Family Dudley, Massachusetts
-Debra Valle (June 13, 2008)
I'm looking at my calendar as I'm getting ready to move into my new apartment this weekend and noticed a few things. My birthday is coming up Jon, so is yours; Friday June 13. Even though Jon had mixed feelings about his birthdate I only hold on to the good memories Jon left for both his and my birthday a few years ago. Honestly, I couldn't bare the thought ot even looking at parades this weekend because I was only reminded of OUR SOLDIER. Just thinking about it chokes me up because I know that Jonny did EVERYTHING from the bottom of his heart to help man. But Jonny, we still miss you!
I recall celebrating our birthdays with nothing, literally. Jonny knew how to make meaningful things out of nothing and I do recall having a stomach ache from all the jokes Jonny was launching at me. And again, he taught me that laughter and happiness was all that mattered in life. Our Birthdays are coming up Jonny, i'm placing an extra candle this year for you. I miss my friend, I miss you alot.
Rest in Peace Soldier!
We miss you
-Denise S.Bueso (May 27, 2008)
Except for the last few years, I have been guilty of losing sight of the real significance and importance of Memorial Day. To me it was along weekend, a day off from school, and great sales at the mall. I know that many have have been and still are guilty of the same thing. I wonder how many people actually stop during the course of the day and think about what Memorial Day means? Observance of this day has diminished over the years. Except for perhaps Arlington Natinal Cemetery & other military cemeteries around the U.S., many gravesites of the fallen are ignored & neglected.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our Nation's service. Since last week I have been thinking of our fallen soldiers. I have been thinking about over 4,000 who already have lost their lives in the current war. I understand each mother & the pain she is feeling. My thoughts have been especially with the other two families who lost their sons in the same vehcile as Jon. In a very strange way we have an unspoken connection. Meeting at Fr. Drum we shared the same tears, the same tremendous loss, and the same devastating pain.
As every day, my thoughts are of Jon. I think about how he felt it was his calling to enlist during war time & to do his duty. I think about how proud he was to be an American, how proud to wear his fatigues everywhere he went, how proud he was to be able to serve. He knew the dangers and risks and yet, had no regrets. I think about that last mission, his last day, as they were returning back to base, and am wondering why their lives were taken from us all to soon. Why couldn't they have returned safely back to base? A question many families have asked, and will never get an answer.
Jon was remembered yesterday by many - the local firemen put up an American flag at the bottom of the hill on our property and blasted the truck horn as they passes our house, the town police Sgt. brought flowers with a note attached "thinking of you - remembering Jon." There were phone calls from Jon's friends & army buddies, family & friends. Over the weekend we made many trips to the cemetery, bringing flowers, sitting there remembering & missing jon ever so much. An American flag was placed by each gravesite. Jon had three. We have no idea who placed the extra flags . But the cemetery director told us that many come to Jon's gravesite on a regular basis. I thank all those who care and remember Jon.
Yesterday, Memorial Day, May 26, 2008 was a perfect day to pay respects to the solders who fought & have died for us, for our Country. We don't kow them, they didn't know us, but they fought for us anyway. They fought for our freedom, for our rights. Our fallen heroes deserve to have one day set aside for this Nation to remember, reflect and honor them. These brave men & women have given their all in service to their country.
All who have died deserve honor, our respect and thanks. Knowing what could happend, Jon was still willing to give his all. And he did. For this, I/we thank you Jon for being one of the brave and a true American. Jon always gave 100% of himself.
Jon is and always will be missed by countless people. He certainly earned our respect and thanks. Love & miss you son.
Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (May 27, 2008)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
