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-Soiplypypefly (February 6, 2012)
Another Holiday Season has come & gone. Family and friends sitting around the table for Christmas dinner.....but there's that empty chair once again. The last time Jon was home for Christmas was 6 years ago. He was in medic training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas when all the soldiers were given 10 days off for the Holidays. What a joyous time that was to have Jon home. We did last minute Christmas shopping together, I made all his favorite meals, we'd go walking in the woods, watch favorite movies while munching on popcorn, and then we would talk until almost dawn!! Who knew that would be the last Christmas spent together?
Jon's last Christmas as spent in Iraq. Besides sending him his favorite snacks & treats in a Christmas "care package" I sent a pine tree branch sealed in a zip lock bag. He thought that was the greatest gift because it reminded him of home & the pine aroma filled his trailer.
Rest in peace my beloved son and be assured the empty space in my heart is filled with treasured memories and thoughts of you.
Jon, you are sadly missed, eternally loved and always remembered. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (January 4, 2012)
I never knew or met Jonathan but I taught at Greater New York Academy and grew to respect his father David. I believe if Jon was anything like his dad then he was a good person who loved what is mission was. David I nearly lost my son in July, 2007 due to a car accident. By god's grace I still have him even though he went through several surgeries and was near death. Since that horrible day he has fully recovered. My pain is no where near what you have experienced but I know how you and your wife must feel and I wish you God's peace in this period of time without your son.
-Joseph Lo-Presti (January 1, 2012)
It was 6 years ago on Thanksgiving Day that Jonathan joined several friends for the annual Thanksgiving dinner at my freind's place overlooking the San Antonio River Walk, shrotly before his graduation from Medic training at Fort Sam Houston, TX. We had all met when he began attending worship services at the church just a block away from the motel where he and his friends would stay on weekends. In such a short time, Jon and I and several others became fast friends--and kept in contact. I always remember him and his smile and friendly demeaner--every day, and especially on certain days, like Thanksgiving. He is never far from my thoughts--and neither is his family. I don't post here as often as I should, but please know that Jon is fondly remembered.
-Neil Williams (November 24, 2011)
This morning, I heard the kind voice of educator David Cadavero, Jon's father, a respected mentor of teachers, and a respected friend from my teen years when I looked up to David as possessor of an amazingly rich and erudite vocabulary. I hadn't spoken to him since his son died. Last week in Riverside we had the heartbreaking memorial service for Rick Villani, Marine Sargeant, 31, who had lost his own battle with PTSD after many years of service in Afghanistan. The Marines presented a powerfully emotive service to honor their brother, and Rick's mother, my dear friend, sat shattered in heart at the front row as the closed coffin rested near her, and then she bravely, hesitantly gave her own son's eulogy. Scenes like this, and senseless sacrifices, though not senseless in the purpose of the brave young warriors who put their lives between harm's way and an often unappreciative American citizenry, all lead us to hope desperately and anxiously for The Soon Return of a Loving and Compassionate God Who will restore each fighter to a waiting family. Oh surely, Come Quickly Lord Jesus, and may our lives now be worthy of the sacrifices made.
-Judith Murphy Nelson (November 21, 2011)
So many times I have started a message on this site. Maybe today I will click submit....
JC, You by far are the most amazing, wonderful, sincere, heroic, man I ever knew. One of my favorite memories was taking a road trip down to your mothers house to get your car. A 3 hour trip to Tuxedo, NY turned into like 5 after a few wrong turns. You said on the way, your mom would greet you by kissing & hugging you like she hadn't seen you in years- because that was how she greeted you every time she seen you, even if it was the day before. So much love & kindness, just through her smile- it was the same as yours. When we pulled up he said "now Jess, my mom is going to insist you come in & feed you, so come on!" There was never a dull moment. You were always cracking a joke or saying/singing something ridiculous. You were such a great friend. I went through a lot the summer before we deployed and you were always there for me. I know I said thank you a million times. I wish I told you how sorry I was. The last time I seen you was 2 days before that mission. I was sitting outside the trailer when a mouse bit my toe! Had I known that was the last time I'd see that smile or hear your voice I would have maybe said some things I should have said a year before.
Travis & I got pregnant returning home from Iraq. When I found out I was having a girl I couldn't figure out how to name her after you. Until I realized it was your nickname that would be hers. "J.C." - spelled Jaycie & She is 3 years old now. She is such a character, you would gotten a kick out of her! She loves to make people laugh & entertain them.
No poems, pictures, letters, songs could ever remind or show how much you meant to me, But In your memory my daughter lives to tell a story of how she was named after one of America's most wonderful hero's. I miss you and love you so much JC. So until we meet again, I'll keep the memory of you forever in my heart.
Always & forever, Jess
-Jess Wind (November 11, 2011)
There are two holidays that should be celebrated every day. The first is Independence Day, and the second is Veterans Day. They are inexorably linked, for we would never have freedom without our servicemen.
Thank you Jon, all veterans, and current soldiers, for everything you have done for us by keeping us safe and free.
You were there for me during the most difficult time in my life. I knew that I could always count on you no matter what. It didn't matter the time, you were always there. I miss you more than words can ever express.
"Wasted away again in Margaritaville" -- I love you. You will forever be in my heart.
-Kelly D. Pastor (November 11, 2011)
Today is Veteran's Day. You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and always will be. "Roll Call" at your memorial ceremony felt so tragic, but during the short time I knew you it was very apparent that you lived a noble life, and pointed towards God with your actions. You made an impact on my life, and I can only imagine how many others. Thank you.
OD
-Colleen Welsh (November 11, 2011)
On certain "special" days, although I know in my heart what I want to say, I try but the words just don't come. After Jon's death, I received a number of books on grief & mourning. They say you don't "get over" grief, you learn to live with it. I'm living with it. They say grief will probably hurt more before it hurts less. It hurts more now than ever. They say grief & mourning will impact all five realms of experience: physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual. I've been impacted.
Not an hour or day goes by when I don't think of Jon. I remember & cherish him as my son, and as a very unique indivdual. There's no one else like him. I miss the special mother-son relationship we had. Our talks, laughs & silly faces we made. We supported each other through good & bad times. I could look at Jon & know what he was thinking.
Strange as it might sound, some of the pictures sent home from the war, Jon looked happy, at peace & in perfect contentment. Stranger still, those pictures bring me a small sense of peace & relief knowing he was happy.
How do I go on without my beloved son? I keep his memory alive within my heart & mind. I speak of him often with love, pride, laughter & tears. I love him now more than ever. I will never be the same without him.
Rest in Peace Jon. I keep on missing you........... Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (October 26, 2011)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
