Heart-Son

My heart is still breaking. Your family, friends, my Nikki… all are helping to heal me with their stories, love, and steadfastness that I cannot yet seem to grasp. I knew this was going to be hard but it seems to be so much harder than I thought. I do feel that with my hugs, love, massages, head rubs and texting that I had conveyed what you mean to me.

How much love I felt for you! How I wished with all my heart just my touch could heal you and keep you with all the people that love you. So many people that love, that feel so privileged to know you. To have called you their friend. So many people that have already done so eloquently with their words to describe your strength, kindness, thoughtfulness, openness to all, and understanding of so many things the rest of us might not be able to get past.

The lessons that you taught us and showed us through your actions, your words, without us realizing they were lessons that we were being shown. How to live a better life, how to just accept and it not be something that is thought about. You have a special place in everyone’s heart. Some have been able to put a cover over it so the opening is not so big. I am trying so hard.

The impact you made on my life and my Nikki’s was so much more than just friendship, saying you are my son and her brother. You gave such joy to me. I always smiled with you, you made my whole heart happy and glad and just so incredibly big. It will heal as you have taught me that pain is just something to go through but you can overcome. YOUR STRENGTH astounded me.

I will do you proud but it seems that my strength just needs a little more encouragement to come to the fore. It will with the love and the stories and the strength of all who have been touched by you.

I am going to miss the body and mind of my Funmi who was on this earth. The thought of you, the memories, the love that you have shown me, the accepting of who I am that will help get me through. Right now, I just need time. I love you my son and will miss you mightily. Your hugs and your SMILE. OH, that smile!!!! It was always there.

Thank you for blessing me with your family. And the blessings that your family have given me. I miss and love you my dear boy. You will be remembered forever and you will be missed beyond measure, and you will be always LOVED.

Joanne Garofolo, East Moriches NY