I remember the days I used to come over the house during the school week @ waldwick. We weren't that close at first, but over time we found out that we had more and more in common. After high school we lost touch, seeing each other only a few more times. Man, I regret not keeping in touch with him, we were like brothers at one point. All I can do now is wait for the Resurrection, depending that God will reunite us in heaven. He was a good and loyal friend, and whenever I think of him I miss him. Any day now the sky will burst open and Jesus will be here, but in the meantime God will grant us strength to make it. My prayers are with the family and his dear wife, may you feel God's presence near you, because He is draws closer to us during times of grief, even when it feels like He is far.
-Andrew Pileggi (March 27, 2008)
Since we live relatively close to West Point Military Academy, it's no surprise to hear & see army helicopters overhead from time to time. However, the other day as I was walking Rusty our dog, an army helicopter was flying very low and all too slowly. For a few brief seconds I thought that the army was bringing Jon home! I could almost see him repelling from the helicopter shouting "what's for dinner." It would be just like Jon to make such an entrance! As those second of wishful thinking ended, I realized that just a few hours earlier I placed a palm cross by Jon's grave. Every visit to the cemetery, with every item placed there, it's like a jagged knife that pierces my heart.
As the whole Christian world recognizes Christ's death, and more importantly, HIs resurrection this upcoming weekend, I KNOW deep in my heart & soul that on that soon coming resurrection day, Jon's name will be called. He was one of the "good guys" who will hear "Well done my good & faithful servant"................When Jon & I do meet on that glorious day, I can almost hear him saying, "He mom....why are you crying?" But those tears will be different though. They will be tears of joy. I can't wait to be re-united with my precious son and never have to worry about losing him again.
Jon is constantly in my thoughts & will remain forever in my heart. Rest in peace my son. I miss you more than words can express and love you to the depths of my soul. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (March 20, 2008)
I read once that good fortune and/or disasters come in pairs. That was the case this past weekend with back-to-back difficult days. It should have been a joyous weekend but instead it was one of grief & pain. Not many people are aware that March 8, 2008 was supposed to be Jon's discharge day from the Army. Yellow ribbons on every tree on our property were going to greet him. And I promised to throw him two big welcome home parties; one in New York and one in Maryland inviting his family, friends, neighors, and teachers. Somehow it didn't turn out like it was supposed to. The torrential rains on March 8th hinted that perhaps all of heaven was crying along with me.
A year ago on March 9th was Jon's funeral. I drove by the church and then went to the cemetery. As I placed flowers by Jon's gravesite, tears streaming down my face, I thought about last year when Jon was laid to rest. That day has left a permanent scar on my very soul. I was in such a fog and still in a state of shock, that I didn't recognize family members or friends. I just remember a sea of people inside the church, as well as outside. I was so incredibly touched by the outpouring of love & support shown to my family and me.
During this most difficult year, I have asked myself repeatedly: If Jon could have known that his end would come on February 27, 2007, while serving in the Army in Iraq, would he still have enlisted? Knowing Jon, I don't believe he would have. He would not do anything willingly that would ultimately cause me, his family and so many others such pain & devastation. He would have found an alternate route to serve his country. However, Jon was so proud to serve his country and be part of the U.S. Army. It was not easy but he never had any regrets. Regardless of the task, he served and gave 110% of himself Jon was so sure, beyond any doubt, that God was going to protect him, that he would come home. That is how it should have happened....why it didn't, who can answer?
So now, all the "first" lasts have passed. The seconds, thirds, tens, or even hundreds will not be faced with any less pain. Even in death Jon is such a big part of me and my life that there is no escape from his memory or the pain it holds. His pictures are all over the house, all over my office and each photo, each memory is held close to my heart. I was fortunate to have him as a son. I was proud of his dedicted service, but even more proud of the person he was.
Knowing how things turned out, how I wish I could go back in time and "convince" my dear son to take that alnernate route.....
Jon will forever live on in my heart. He will forever be loved to the depths of my soul and missed with all my heart. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (March 12, 2008)
Where to start, Cadavero, One in a million, and an Ace in the hole. In such a short time can someone of your caliber make a hugh impact, it is now a lil over a year later and your name is still echoed thru the ranks of younger soldiers, as someone who had all to give and gave it their all all, no matter what. For the few still here, the atmosphere was a little silent 10 days ago, our mission continues but there was an absence felt that day, by all. No one said anything, but I could tell by their actions that day. You would be happy to know we started 2 hr PT in the morning, something you always loved. Smoke me Sargeant, smoke me, words you said to me that are to well known. Although the Medics dont say much about anything, we all will carry the scar in our hearts and the band on our wrists of such a good man that once walked this earth. God bless your Family and thank you for this website.
-SGT Roch, Daniel (March 8, 2008)
The day that I found out about Jonny, I couldn’t and didn’t want to understand my sister on the cell as I was teaching my 11th Grade Chemistry class in PR. My kids knew something was wrong as I left the classroom and balled out crying. I didn’t hesitate to call my mother and informed her that I HAD to be in NY; she immediately hung up on me when I told her, she too couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of my mouth. Questions and surprises hit me more and more as I began to digest what had really happened, it all seemed so unfair. I even googled Jonny and read any and every article that had his name or picture on it, even the one where he was interviewed on Feb 25 regarding IED’s.
Just thinking about what had happened, it enraged me towards why so many of our loved ones fight in a war to risk their lives. But no matter what we said in the past prior to Jonny’s leave, it was his will and ambition to help and serve for this country.
As I arrived to NY for Jonny’s service, I recall looking for a book I got from him; Tuesday’s with Morrie… He didn’t want to give me a blunt reality check straight to my face; instead he gave me the book to read just for me to understand that life has a meaning and no matter what circumstance you might be in, you must live it. Jonny lived his life to the very fullest and the memories of him remain in our hearts.
My heart goes out to the whole family and I wish there was something I could do for you all to feel better but all I can say is this: “He is watching over us”.
Jonny was a good man with a good heart and he will never be forgotten.
See you soon Jonny -Denise S. Bueso
-Denise S.Bueso (March 7, 2008)
Every day, every month is difficult filled with memories, pain and tears. Not that the month of March is any easier, but I just could not write any message(s) during the month of February. It was just an extremely painful and difficult month, beyond description. I have often wondered how things would be if life could be controlled by a remote control gadget? I certainly would press the "rewind" button back to when Jon was born and just start all over again. I would press the "pause" button countless times, especially on February 26, 2007 thus never going forward to the following fateful and tragic day.
February 27, 2007 started out like any other day. It was a stressful day at school and stressful at the nursing home with my mom. I came home tired and hungry and, as I sat there eating soup, thought about the day's events and all the things that went wrong. I was SURE that nothing else could possibly go wrong. Just as I finished that thought, the doorbell rang and there stood two army officers at my front door. Of course I didn't think the worst because I prayed for Jon's safety at least a thousand times already that day. My initial thought was that Jon got wounded and they came to bring me to him....If only that could have been the case.
After that second, life forever changed and would not, could not ever be the same. I couldn't AND wouldn't believe that Jon was gone. Not my Jon. Not my beloved son. After the disbelief and shock wore off, the tears came and have not stopped since.
February 14, 2007 was the day that I received the last piece of mail from Jon. It was a Valentine's Day card. I am stillin awe that, although he was in the middle of a war zone, he made the time to go to the PX, buy a card, and mail it so that I would get it in time for Valentine's Day. But that was Jon - always showing me just how much he cared. However, there will never be another card, letter, or email.
February 20, 2007 was the last time I spoke with Jon. He just got back from a mission and was so tired but he called me anyway. He had to rest up because his unit was going on back-to-back missions and he was not sure when he would be able to call. Jon didn't want ME to worry! Again, that was Jon. A thoughtful, devoted and loving son. Now there will never be another phone call.
Questions beginning with "why" have been asked since creation. I, no doubt, will ask "why Jon" the rest of my life. This is something I don't and can't understand, not now or ever.
I recently read the following poem:
"Grief is a journey.... We move from seeing the person by sight To seeing them in memories...
At first they are too painful, And every memory breaks our hearts. Gradually they help us establish the significance of our loss...
In time, our memories become our most precious possessions. The memories wrap themselves around our being, And our loved one is reborn inside our hearts. That is called.....The Journey of Grief." - Doug Manning
A year has passed and somehow time has not made a difference for the better. I miss Jon more than ever. Precious memories are all I have of my son. If I were to write down on paper all the wonderful memories I have of Jon, it would make "War & Peace" look like a short story! What hurts is that the memories end on February 27, 2007. There is no opportunity to make new memories, have new good times & laughs together, carry out the plans we made. I will be on my "Journey of Grief" for the rest of my life. There is no end, no light at the end of the tunnel.
February 27, 2008 was spent with family & close firends at Jon's gravesite. As we got out of our cars, we noticed that except for deer tracks, the snow was in tact except going to Jon's gravesite. It was heavily traveled with all kinds of footprints that packed the snow & made a nice direct path to Jon's gravesite. I don't know who came to pay their respect, but on behalf of my family, I thank all those who did remember and visited Jon's gravesite. As we were there together, those who could spoke of happy memories they had of Jon. He truly was the happiest & funniest person you could have ever met. In spite of the tears, we had to chuckle at some of the things he said & did.
Even now, my mind knows Jon is gone. But inside my heart I keep thinking perhaps, just perhaps, he's been on some secret mission and he will come through the front door any day now. This is the mother in me..............
My heart & memory bank is filled with Jon. But it is not good enough as I want my son back. I want to hear his voice, see his face, and feel his arm around my shoulder. This cross is too heavy to carry and it seems all too unfair.
Jon, I miss & love you more than ever. Always will. Mom
-Nadia Cadavero (March 5, 2008)
February 28, 2008 marked one year since Johnny was abruptly taken away from us. Although it has been excruciatingly painful, we look back on the last 365 days with a sense of pride. Many have have shared their encounters with Johnny. His life positively impacted the rich and famous as well as the everyday person. We learned that he took time to interact with the intellectual as well as the ordinary, with the same degree of caring and love. People could sense in his presence that he cared. The interpersonal attributes he displayed were instilled in him by his loving, caring parents. You made every effort to ensure your children had a firm spiritual foundation and impeccable moral values .
To listen to people share their feelings of admiration and respect for Johnny demonstrates, Nadia and David, you have truly trained your children in the way God would have. We pray that you will allow the presence of the same God in whom you taught your children to believe, trust, lead and guide their lives to lift you up, cradle you tightly in His arms and fill you with His love and peace so you may continue to live out Johnny's legacy of bringing sunshine into every life you touch.
-Leon and Astrid Thomassian (March 5, 2008)
Dear Cadavero Family,
Just wanted to let you know that last week, during the 1 year anniversary of Jon's death, I spent time praying for all of you. I can't even imagine how hard this anniversary is for the three of you.
Sister Cadavero, I think of you often. As a mother, my heart goes out to you and I ask the good Lord to give you strenght to carry on. Ten years ago, I lost a baby thru an ectopic pregnancy. The doctors did not expect me to live either. In fact, the Doctor told me days later that "if I didn't pray before than I needed to start praying because they could not medically explain why I was still alive". I went through many mixed emotions and was very angry that I lost a baby that I had not even met yet, but when I stopped questioning why it happened or why He allowed it to happen and started praising the Lord for that which I could not see or understand, then and only then did I find relief. The Lord lifted my heavy heart. He caused me to go on inspite of the pain and assured me that if I am faithful, I will one day meet my child. Sister I know that my lost does not compare to the lost of your son of 26 years, I only seek to remind you that the Lord still sits on the throne and "He, is still in charge". He knows your pain and will never leave you nor forsake you. Hold on Sister Cadavero & Family, the Lord is coming soon!
Your Sister In Christ, Lisa Gonzalez Administrative Assistant Great New York Conference
-Lisa Gonzalez (March 4, 2008)
My life is forever changed since knowing Doc Cadavero. It's been a year since i have thought about him and others cause i don't want to feel the pain. We had exciting times when he volunteered to walk with us and i would take no other Doc. He asked to go when others didn't. he was the best. I will never forget.
-D (March 4, 2008)
Thank you... The words seem so short. Thank you entails so much. Thank you for the life you have lived. The faithfulness to give positive memories to your family and friends. Thank you for a shadow that is cast large enough to make me want to live a better life.
Thank you to your family. With little choice they have made a huge sacrifice of a family member that I can be free. Thank you.
Thank you to David Cadavero who continues to exemplify the best and positive when he is hurting. He honors his son in making the memories positive and not bitter. I am sure he has his own battles to fight, but the ones he fights in public, honor a positive memory of Jonathan.
Hope is the anchor of the soul. It is with hope that I pray for my friend David, his family, and that soon we can see Jonathan again as the clouds roll back and the Saviour says, "Come on home Soldier, you fought a good fight!" Now that is HOPE!
Thank you! Jerrell Gilkeson A friend
-Jerrell Gilkeson (March 1, 2008)
Leave your own memories & condolences of Sgt. Jonathan Cadavero.
