Gonzalo Valdez Obituary

Dad,
Today is my 65th birthday and it's hard to believe, spent the afternoon with Rosie and Gwen and had a great time. I have a cataract in my left eye and driving is becoming a problem. I'll have the surgery in January, so keep an eye on me.
I love and miss you,
Your #1 daughter
Linda

Dad,
Your great grandsons are playing ball this year, they are so excited. It's been raining so the games have been cancelled! Your great granddaughter is walking but not talking yet, she is too cute for words. Keep watching over her Dad.
Love
Linda

Dad,
You have 3 great grandsons and 4 great granddaughters, they are all beautiful kids, 4 belong to Jimmy and 3 are mine.
It's been awhile since I wrote to you, but I visit you as often as I can. I miss you so much.
Love You,
Linda

Hi Dad,
I went to the cemetary on Weds the 22nd and couldn't get up to see you, there was too much snow, Patty went too and the same thing too much snow. We just wanted to wish you and Ma a Merry Christmas. I'll be by to see you again when the snow goes away. We had a nice xmas this year because of Charlotte, Dad she is so adorable.
I love you,
Linda

Happy Birthday Dad, I'm not sure I can get to see you tomorrow, it's a work day but I'll try.
I hope you will be there with Charlotte when she sees the doctors tuesday. Dad, she is too cute and adorable, I know you would have been so proud of her, she is amazing.
Happy Birthday, I love you and miss you so much.
Linda

Dad,
I hope Doses found you and Ma saturday night, he was sick and had to leave us. Look out for him and take care of him, he will be missed and knowing he's with you is so comforting.
Love Always,
Linda

Dad,
Did you see your grandsons on sunday, they came with me and Patty to see you and Ma. I want to thank you and Ma for sending my a granddaughter this august, I am so excited and thrilled beyond words, I'm sure the good Lord has something to with it!
We will be back to see you soon,
Love you always,
Linda

Dad,
Sorry, I didn't get to see you on christmas, Sue did put a tree up for you and Ma and I will get there weather permitting. We made tamales and your favorite cookies. Patty and Sue came over for xmas eve.
We all love and miss you,
Linda

Dad,
You have another great grandchild as of yesterday, her name is Madelyn. Jacki and Tom are her parents, she looks like a Valdez baby, dark hair but has blue eyes. This makes 4 great grandchildren, 3 boys and 1 little princess= Xavier age 6,Conor age 3, Adam age 1 1/2 and Madelyn 2 days! I know you would be so happy Dad and I am so sorry you couldn't be here but please watch over them.
It's thanksgiving again and we are having dinner by us and Patty and Sue will be here this year, we all miss you and Ma and remember all the dinners we had with you both.
I love you Dad
Linda

Dad,
Once the weather gets better,I'll come and see you and Ma. I tried after Judie's memorial service but it was too late and the gate was closed.
Your great grandsons are sick and pass it on to me, they are so funny I can't help but stare at them and smile to myself. They both love to play ball and love music and their Aunt Patty! Remember how Tony was with her, that's the same way they are, every so often they ask for her. I took the boys to Adam's first birthday party, they had a ball. You should see how your son is with his first grandson!
I'll be by to see you soon,
Love Always
Linda

Dad,
Both of your great grandsons call you Papa, they see your pictures all over the house and know who you are.
The holidays are coming up and it always make me miss you twice as much. They always remind me of how much you wanted us all there for dinner, I have the same feelings too.
I will be by to see you and Ma soon.
Love,
Linda

Dad,
I can't believe Sept is here already and this sunday is your birthday! I will be by to see you then as always with Patty and maybe Sue or she will see you early after she gets off work.
Our Cubs won their division and if you can do anything about them winning the whole thing this year,please do!!!
Your great grandsons are doing well and they both love baseball.
I love and miss you,
Linda

Dad,
I'm sorry that I haven't kept up with my letters to you but I know you understand why.
I'm doing better and I miss you, I'll be by to see you as soon as I can.
You are always in my heart,
Linda

Hi Dad,
I brought your newest great grandson today to see you, he's only 9 months but he'll know all about you when he's older. Xavier knows that you are with great grandma in heaven and that you two are angels.
Patty joined us and we went to have lunch and I had your favorite enchiladas, we passed the house and went to for lemonade on Taylor St just as we did with you many time before.
Happy Father's Days Dad, I love and miss you very much.
With love and respect,
your #1 daughter, Linda

Hi Dad,
We are doing gardening and fixing up the yard this weekend, I'll take a ride to see you and Ma. Xavier and I spent the night by Patty's and stopped to see you and Ma and Marcia on Mother's Day. I will always wish you could have been here to see your first great grandson. It won't be long before I bring your second great grandson to see you and Ma.
I still am amazed that you and Ma are gone, it doesn't seem right and never will.
I love and miss you,
Linda

Dad,
Sorry, I haven't written, but don't ever think that I've forgotten you, I miss you and always will.
Karen took your great grandsons for their Easter outfits and bought them each a cap like the one you wore, the tan one.
Xavier's birthday is coming up soon, he'll be 4 years, to talk to him you would think he's 5 or 6! He is so smart and getting a little sassy. He skipped the terrible twos and now it's the terrible threes. Next Monday it will be a year that we moved into our new house, it's already been a year for Patty. I remember the day she left, we hugged and cried, it broke my heart to see her go. The day we left, it was like losing you and Ma all over again. No one realizes how much our house meant to me.
Now with our new house, we have a lawn and yard to care for. We're getting rid of some of the plants the lady had before us, we want more grass area in the yard for a swing set and pool in the summer.
I wish you and Ma were here to see our the house, I think you'd like it.
I love you Dad, one of these days I'll bring Conor to see you.
With Love and Respect,
Linda your #1 daughter

Dad,
This holiday season wasn't so happy for me, I miss you and Ma and our family home, I still can't believe that I no longer live at 527 and it will always hurt to think that things will never be the same.
This new year coming up I hope to get myself out of this saddness and I know you would want me to get my butt in gear. I miss you Dad, I'll come as see you this weekend. When I look at your great grandsons they make my life happy and I'm sorry you couldn't be here to hold them but watch over them Dad, they will know all about you.
Love Always and Happy New Year!
Linda

Dad,
I will be thinking of you as we have our first Thanksgiving dinner at our new house and wishing you were there with us.
I miss you and the home you provided for us for so many years.
Your loving daughter,
Linda

Dad,
How I wish you could see your 2 great grandsons, they are beautiful and so lovable, whenever I hold Conor I remember how you loved holding little babies while they slept in your arms, now I'm holding him for you and Xavier too.
We are really lucky to have found the house we moved to, it is great for dinners and we've had a few already. Dolly and Laura have been to the house twice and the aunts and uncle came to our housewarming party. Everyone likes the house and it still seems strange that we're not at 527 anymore. I can't help thinking the house is lonely, I know it sounds silly. I'm hoping now that Patty is working nights that she'll be around for the holidays, we need to be with each other at times like this.
Keep watching over us Dad, and remember that we love and miss you.
Love Always,

Dad,

Patty,Sue and I will be there for your birthday and we'll celebrate you life during lunch, we miss you so much.

We all wish you could see our new homes, but I still feel like I betrayed the family home and it looks sad whenever I pass by it. Sound weird, I know but it's true.

You probably know about Uncle Gus passing away last night.

I miss you Dad and love you always,

8-1-06

Dad,

Today is the closing on our family home and it's breaking my heart, it's like losing you and Ma all over again. I woke up crying and haven't stopped yet.

I spoke to Mrs Cagle today and she's not happy where she's at and not in good health. I have arthitis in my left shoulder and it's bothering me, especially at night.

Jim,Patty and Sue are going to the closing, I'm not, it's too hard to let go of our home. I can't believe this is happening, how can you and Ma be gone and now the house too.

I miss you.

Love Always,

Dad,

It's the 4th of July and I'm in a sad mood, remembering this was the last holiday I had with you and I'm remembering all the 4th's we celebrated out in front of the house. It will never be the same for me. Our new neighorhood is not as loud as the old one is but loud enough with all the fireworks, I mean big pretty ones. Anyway, I miss you and Ma so much, give her a hug for me and I'll see you on the 7th with Patty and Sue.

I will never get over losing you and this is our first 4th without Ma and it hurts.

See you Friday Dad, I love you.

Your #1 daughter,

Hi Dad,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you this Father's Day, it's just not the same since you left us.

Xavier and I stopped by yesterday before we went by Sue's house for our monthly dinner, next month it's my turn.

I hope the cross I bought for you and Ma is still there, Patty and Sue are going today and I asked them to put it in the ground between you and Ma.

Did I mention that there is another boy on the way?? Not sure what there going name this one??

Tony turned full time at the CTA this month just as Karen needs to take time off before the new baby is here! I got a raise and celebrated 20 years on the job this month.

I miss you and Ma and will see you on the 7th of July.

I love you Dad, give Ma a hug from me.

Love Always Your #1 Daughter,

Dad,

So how do you like our new home, it's pretty nice, I wish I was able to buy it before you left us.

Yesterday we celebrated your first great grandson's 3rd birthday, he is too cute and funny for words. He's my pride and joy, as he would have been yours too, I know Ma has told you all about how smart he is, and how well he talks. Mrs Cagle sent him a birthday card with $2 in it. She keeps in touch with us and misses everyone.

I will be out to see you and Ma soon, we're still unpacking and getting settled, I can't wait for everyone to see the house, we have flowers growing in front and back, I can't wait to see what comes up!

I have a Navy spike with a flag to put in the yard in your and Ma's memory.

I miss you both.

Love Always,

Dad,

It's official, Tony, Karen and I are home owners, I suppose I should be happy, but I have mixed emotions. This weekend we start to move our stuff to the new house and at the same time how do I say goodbye to the 2nd really home I've ever known. It will difficult for me and yet at the same time exciting. Tell Ma the news for me, I may be busy with all the work it will take to move and I will come by and see you and Ma when I can, but I will always make time to do that.

Thanks to you,Ma and Pastorelli I am able to buy a home for my little family and hope to fill it with lots of grandkids and fond memories, but no matter where I go, I take you and Ma with me in my heart.

I love you both,

Linda

Dad,

Well Dad, Tony and I are buying a house near Karen's parents up north, and there's another baby on the way. It will be hard at first, but we'll make it.

Jimmy's throwing all the wood away from the back basement and all the junk you saved!

I wish we couldn't have bought the house, but it's not big enough for us now, so the house we are buying is a single family with related living for me. I really hate to leave the neighborhood but it's not the same with the new people living in Cagle's house. I think it will be a ok. So I will visit you when I can. I miss you.

Love Always,

Dad,

Happy New Year, another year gone by and I miss you just as much and now Ma too.

Ma is with you now and you're not alone. Watch out for Aunt Mary, she's not doing too well.

I'll visit you soon Dad, I love you.

Love Always,

Dad,

The weather has been bad, so I'll be there to see you hopefully this weekend. I'm trying to get in the christmas spirit and your greatgrandson is helping. Now that Ma's with you, you're not alone anymore and I feel a little better, sad to say.

We're making tameles this saturday and keeping the tradition going.

I miss you both so much.

Love Always,

Dad,

How strange it was to have Thanksgiving without both of you, always remember that you are never far from my thoughts. I moved downstairs as of last sunday and it feels right and comfortable. I miss you both.

I'll visit soon,

Dad,

Now that Ma's with you, it is still hard to believe that both of you are gone. I feel numb inside and the only thing keeping me going is your great grandson.

Tony and I and Anna are going to try to keep the house, I hope we can and it won't be much of a hardship. If we do, we're making a few changes and it would be great if it is possible, I want to watch Xavier go to school either at Mark Sheridan or Healy, sit on our front porch and watch the air show and fireworks on the 4th.

I miss you Dad.

Love always,

Linda

Dad,

Well, the 2nd worst day of my life has happened on Jim's birthday, 10-10-05, Ma's with you now, she couldn't hold on any longer. I know she is ok, she was tired of all the meds and drs. I told her to tell you about Xavier, did you see him at the wake, he makes me smile when I don't feel like it, but I need it. He knows she's an angel like you and is with you.

With the two of you watching over us, I hope we can do right by you and Ma. See you Sunday.

Loving you forever,

Linda

Dad,

I just started driving myself to work and theraphy, it will be a few weeks before I can come and see you, hopefully sooner.

You won't believe how much Xavier is just like you, he gets excited when he sees the buses go by and loves to do puzzles! 2yrs old and he's doing puzzles. Tony & Karen are celebrating their 3rd wedding anniversary this Sunday 8-21.

I'm going out of town this weekend to Rick Pastorelli's wedding, in Michigan, he's paying for my hotel room, so Anna is driving me there. Jimmy is coming over to be with Ma while I'm gone.

I miss visiting you and will see you soon, this weekend is the air and water show, remember how we would sit out front and watch the planes, well I still watch and think of you.

Love You,

Dad,

Sorry I haven't been to see you since 7-7, I still can't drive since my surgery. I work partime and go to PT twice a week. Patty and Tony drive me around and Karen is driving with me in the car so she can go get her license, she has a learner's permit only.

As soon as I can I'll be by to see you. I miss you, it's difficult when the 4th of July comes, cause I remember sitting out front with you and the memories come flooding back and it will always hurt.

I'll talk to you soon,

Love,

Linda

DAD,

I HAD MY SURGERY AND EVERYTHING IS OK, NOW I HAVE TO EXERCISE MY ARM, I'LL BE OFF WORK FOR 3 WEEKS, ROSIE'S HELPING OUT FOR ME, PATTY AND TONY ARE DRIVING ME AROUND.

WE SAID GOODBYE TO MRS CAGLE LAST SATURDAY, SHE MOVED TO HUNTLEY, IL. SHE WAS HEARTBROKEN, BUT SHE'LL BE OK.

MARY'S CANCER IS BACK AND SHE NEEDS RADIATION TREATMENTS, SHE'S TIRED OF ALL THE DR APPTS.

WE WILL SEE YOU ON SATURDAY,CAUSE KAREN IS OFF THAT DAY.

XAVIER MADE ME SOME COOKIES AND SOME PAPER FLOWERS, HE IS TOO CUTE.

SEE YA SOON DAD, I MISS YOU.

LOVE YOU,

LINDA

Dad,

We had another Mother's Day with ma and it was a great day, we made chicken and mole. Patty makes the rice really good, I made tortillas and Diane and Karen rolled them out. Jacki and Tina came over too. Tony had to work at 4pm. Your great grandson looked so cute in his shorts and shirt, he made a card for me and ma, he wrote on it and I asked him what it said and he said Happy mother's day!

So now we have a nurse in the family, Jacki is working at UIC, where we were all born. I know you are proud of her as I am.

I talked to Laura about Aunt Mary and she's doing better, no more chemo treatments, that's good news.

I can't believe that 10 years have passed since Marcia left us, unbelieveable, I put her picture in the Bridgeport in remembrence to her from me.

Well Dad, I am a board of directors at Pastorelli!! as of 5-9-05, how about that!!

Tony and Karen and Xavier gave me a mini rose plant that I'm putting in our yard, maybe today or soon anyway.

See ya sunday,

Love

Linda

Dad,

Patty and I went to see Aunt Mary for her birthday 4-12, she's 79! I believe she has the same thing you had, she's going for chemo and it's making her tired.

We had Xavier's birthday at the house, we were in the basement and for the cake and presents we went upstairs so Ma and Katie,Mickey could see, he was too funny, he would open a present and if it was clothes he's toss it aside and ask for another one, the ones that had toys or books he want to play with right then. After he opened all the gifts, Tony told him to say thank you to everyone and he did and he also, said happy birthday to everyone there!!! and by name too.

I'll be by to see you this sunday, I bought you a cross and your flag is there and fresh flowers which need to be changed.

How I wish you could have been here for Xavier. He's so lovable and I'm proud to be his gramma and proud of Tony and Karen for doing a good job with him.

Well, I see you sunday Dad,

I love and miss you.

Linda

Dad,

Our special angel is almost 2yrs old!! can you believe it, Xavier is completely amazing, you would be so proud of him. We're having our annual luncheon for Gramma Ramirez this saturday and sunday I'll come and visit you, I hope the cemetary cleaned up so I can bring your flag. I collected all the xmas decorations I put on yours, Aunt Lena, Gramma and Grampa Valdez, Uncle Mino and Gramma and Grampa Ramirez graves last time I was there. Aunt Shirley has her headstone there by Uncle Mino, you know she moved to Florida.

I'm thinking of buying Xavier a set of baseball cards for him to collect for his birthdays, so when he's older, he'll have a nice collection. Cubs traded Sosa this year, we'll see if they can do anything this year!

Love you Dad, I'll see you sunday.

Linda

Dad,

Another year Wow 2005, january is half over and it's time for Ma's birthday, we're having a dinner party for her on the 29th. It's snowing like crazy and I was hoping to come and see you this weekend but if it's snowing really bad like they say, I'll wait until the following weekend, I need to get the xmas wreath I made for you and bring you something else. I told you about Aunt Mary's cancer is back and it's not so easy for this time, she needs oxygen at home, but she says she feels ok. I may need surgery on my knee or right hip from my hip replacement, it's showing wear. I'm hoping they can do something other that major surgery, I don't want to got thru that again.

Well, I'll see you soon and always remember that I love and miss you.

Linda

Dad,

Another holiday season without you there but I believe you and the lord sent Xavier to make up for your leaving us. Oh Dad, how I wish you could see him, he is so lovable and cute and smart. We miss you more so at Christmas, our tamales came out good, and Xavier loves the pork ones!! Mom's test came back ok and she's doing ok. Mary's doing ok too, it's funny she has the same thing as you and Ma, not really funny but strange funny. I made your favorite cookies and there in your stocking on the wreath I made you.

I love and miss you Dad,

Linda

Dad,

Mom went to doctor and needs further tests done because her kidneys are getting worse, probably her age and diabetes, we hope nothing else is wrong. She seems to be doing ok, I guess her body is wearing out. It's Nov and here we go with the holidays, I have mixed emotions, happy because of Xavier and sad because your not here to enjoy your first great grandson. He is my whole world and can't get enough of him. Today is Marcia's 57th birthday, let her know I'm thinking of her always.

Love and Miss You Dad,

Linda

Dad,

I had a wonderful dream the other night, I was walking around 25th & Emerald, our old neighborhood with Karen and the baby. I saw everything the way it was exactly. It was so pleasant and I saw you standing in the alley by the back gate and I started crying cause I knew you were gone, you must have been watching us. I want Xavier to grow up in a safe neighborhood like I did and like Tony did. I can picture all the houses and the empty lot we use to play in and grandma's garden and the gangway, everything, it was so nice.

Your great grandson's vocabulary is amazing and he loves to dance and likes baseball! We're all doing our best for Ma, I miss you.

Love You Dad,

Linda

Dad,

Can you believe that Tony and Karen were married 2 years ago on the 21st, I guess it's true that time flies. They are happy and thinking about another child soon, maybe when Tony gets on the CTA full time. I have a torn rotator cuff and will probably need surgery, I go to the doctor today to find out how soon, maybe in 2 months and hopefully Pat will be back at work by then. I'll come by this weekend to see you, maybe I'll bring Xavier, Tony and Karen are going out and I'm babysitting Saturday. Xavier knows who I'm talking about when I ask him where's papa?, he looks right at your picture and says pop pop, he loves your watch and knows how to push the little button so the light comes on, I'm saving it for him.

Love you Dad,

Linda

Dad,

I can't tell you how much your great grandson is the joy of my life, he is so smart and cute! When I take him for a walk to the corner, we wait for the buses to go by and he justs beams with excitement to see them, we wave and some of the drivers wave back. Maybe, he'll follow your footsteps too. Rosie lost her brother yesterday in a 3 truck accident, he was killed immediately. I feel so bad for her. Patty's having a birthday party for her dog "Candi", she's so cute and friendly, she loves my toes!! I'll be out to see you again real soon and listen for Tony beeping his bus horn everytime he passes by when he's on 87th st. We miss you and will never forget you.

Love,

Linda your #1 daughter

Dad,

Yesterday 7-7 and from now on will always be the saddest day of my life, I hope you saw us there and saw your great grandson at your headstone. When Tony drives on 87th St, he beeps his horn so you know he's thinking of you. His uniform is different from yours but he followed in your footsteps. I took the day off in your honor and always will. We all miss you and always will, you have my love and respect forever.

Love,

Linda

Dad,

The 4th of July's are sad and I have mixed emotions, remembering our bbq's and sitting out in front of the house watching the fireworks and it was the last holiday before you left us. How can 2 years have gone by already?? I'm still in a daze and wondering how the cancer took you so fast? Why didn't they know what was happening to you sooner?? It was so important to me that someone was always there with you, cause I didn't want you to be alone, I guess I was scared for you, even though you never said anything. I will always take the 7th of July off and spend the day with you, I miss and love you.

Linda

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Dad, it's times like this that will always hurt, cause I miss you. I hope you knew that you are the best dad anyone could have had and I'm so proud that you were mine.

I love and respect you and always will. We're celebrating on Sat 6-19 with Tony and his in-laws, and your son. Sunday we will visit you and hopefully Tony doesn't have to work, so he can bring your great grandson.

I miss you, Dad



Linda

Dad,

Everytime I look at Xavier, I am amazed that he is here with us, and it will always break my heart that your not here to enjoy him. He is so smart and funny, he loves the phone and the remote. He found my watch yesterday and put it on himself and was walking around with it on. He carries on a conversation and waves his hand while talking on his phone, too funny and too cute. Ma and I are going by Mick's house for Chuck's birthday on Monday and I'll stop by to see you, we bought a new table and chair for the yard and it's nice. Dad, I miss you, Ma is doing ok, Dr Winters said she's doing great.

I Love You and will see you soon.

Your #1 daughter,

Linda

Dad,

I'm sorry I didn't visit you last sunday, but I will be there this saturday, always remember that you are in my prayers and thoughts all the time. I feel bad cause I haven't visited Marcia like I use to, I still think of her all the time.

Your great grandson is walking a little more and more everyday now, he looks at your picture and says PAPA. Mom, got good news, no more cancer and her heart doctor said she's doing good, but her knees are bothering her more and more. Tony's doing well at the CTA and he took Xavier to a Sox game, he won't let him wear anything that has the Cubs on it. I'll see you Saturday Dad.

Love and Respect Always,

Linda, your #1 daughter

Happy Easter Dad,

We're having a Tony's in laws over this easter, last week we had the baby's 1st birthday party and he is too cute for words. I know I went over board but he is my 1st grandson, I can't help myself.

I show him your picture and tell who you are his PAPA, and he will know you Dad. I'll see on Sunday before our dinner, rest easy and know that I miss you and love you with all my heart.

Linda

Dad,

Did you see Xavier walking to me the other night?? Isn't he the cutest baby ever born, he is so smart, he waves bye bye, and Tony is talking to him in spanish the little he knows. I watch him while the 2 are at work and he is the joy of my life, I know you would have been so proud and happy with Xavier Gonzalo. We making plans for his 1st birthday party, can you believe it, 4-2 next month already, wow. I'm not sure what to buy him, there's so many things, but I'll hold back(maybe). I'll bring him with when I go see you when it gets warmer outside.

Mom is doing ok, and she got directv after her cable bill went sky high. Aunt Mary calls every so often and Aunt Shirley keeps in touch by email. I miss you Dad.

I'll be by to see you soon, rest easy.

I love you,

Your #1 daughter,

Linda

Hi Dad, 2-6-04

I guess you know that our prayers are being answered cause Ma is doing fine with the chemo treatment and needs 2 more to complete the cycle.

Patty and I gave Ma a luncheon for her birthday with her sisters and brother, she had a good time, you know talking about the good old days when they were kids, I love listening to this stories, we're gonna write them down so Xavier can know all about his great grandma and her sisters. Can you believe he is 10 months old, Dad, he would steal your heart just looking at him. He is loved by many, how I wish you were here to see him grow up. I have a bad cold which I caught from your great grandson, so I will try to see you this weekend if not next weekend for sure.

I love you Dad and miss you so much.

Love and Respect,

Linda your#1 daughter

Merry Christmas Dad,

This year will be a little better since you left us, because of your 1st great grandson and my 1st grandson, I'm so excited, Dad he is the cutest baby and so lovable and good natured. Tony has to work a split shift and Karen works half a day too, so when I get home from work, I'll have the baby. I'm video taping his 1st christmas and taking plenty of pictures too. I bought Xavier Gonzalo a red wagon and filled it with toys,books,clothes and wrapped it all up and when Tony & Karen are both there, I'll wheel it out so they can open it, Xavier loves to tear into things so he should have a blast. Dad, he so special to me and again it breaks my heart that your not here to see and hold him, but he gets your love through me. I will see you as often as I can and will keep you in my heart always.

I love you Dad,

your #1 daughter Linda

Dad,

Sorry I haven't been to see you as often as I use to, but I will come as often as I can. Can you believe that Tony followed your footsteps and is a bus driver for the CTA! and Karen is working at Jewels part time and I babysit with your great grandson, he is standing up by himself and has 4 teeth now, Dad he is the cutest baby in the world and looks like Tony. The holidays are here and we are making tamales this Saturday, you should see how we decorated the house it looks so nice. Aunt Shirley sent Ma some fruit for xmas, she did the same last xmas too, I'll send her something too. Last xmas, I wasn't very happy with you not there, but this year my grandson will make it better for me, but my heart will still ache for you. I will continue to pray that the lord watches over Ma since her cancer is back, she's going for chemo and has had 3 treatments so far, we all took turns taking her, it's an all day process, she sleeps through most of it.

Well Dad, I'll see you this weekend, just know that I love you and miss you and I'm sorry you had to suffer with cancer, it breaks my heart thinking about it, so rest in peace, knowing that we are fine and I'm so proud and happy for Tony,Karen and my little pumpkin, they and Ma are the most important people in my life now and you of course.

Love you,

Linda #1 daughter

Hi Dad,

Your old friend Danny past away, he's at Dalcamo's today and I will go pay my respects for you. He came for you, I hadn't heard anything about him lately, he stopped by not too long ago. I guess the cancer got the best of him.

It's Xavier's first halloween and I'm going by his other gramma's house with Tony after work and then on the way home, I'll stop and see Danny.

I heard your voice the other day, you were talking to Louise about me buying your house, I was sleeping on my chair while watching TV and it woke me up! and then I dreamt you walked in the house wearing your black leather jacket and I was holding Xavier and I told you, look Dad at my grandson, you came to where I was standing and you put your head against the baby's and it made me happy to see you with Xavier.

I'll see you soon Dad and watch over Ma.

Love and respect,

Linda #1 daughter

10-23-03

Dad,

Please ask the Lord to watch over Ma really close, I pray every night and ask the same for her, she has so much to deal with, she doesn't need one more thing to worry about. I couldn't bear for her to suffer as you did. I am so scared Dad, I know she will leave us one day to be with you but please not so soon.

I'll see you Sunday and we can talk about the Cubs :-(

I love you Dad and keep Ma safe,

Linda your #1 daughter

Happy 80th Birthday Dad!!!!!!

I want you to know that as long as I have breathe in me, I will celebrate your special day, we will do dinners like you always wanted with your favorite foods, and your favorite cake and of course watch the Cubs! Do you see Dad they are in first place!!!!!!!!

I always think of you as I'm rocking your namesake to sleep, I tell him that not only are my arms holding him but thru me, yours arms too. Oh Dad, he is the cutest baby and he has your smile and upper lip. Aunt Shirley stopped by last week, she's in town for a wedding. She looks good and asked for Xavier right away so Tony brought him over and she held and played with him. He's a charmer and lovable, you would be so proud.

We will be with you this Sunday for your 80th birthday Dad, how I wish you were here, but I know in my head you're at peace, but my heart will always ache for you.

Love and Respect,

Linda, your #1 daughter

8-25-03

Dad,

I miss watching the air and water show with you, seems like you and I were the only ones sitting out there watching the planes, just something else we shared and there are so many little things. I keep in touch with Aunt Shirley, Aunt Mary and Uncle Joey, Aunt Mary saw Danny not to long ago and he's lost lot of weight and not eatting. Aunt Shirley is coming back to Chicago for a wedding in Sept and will stop by to see Ma. Uncle Joey had surgery on his shoulder,last time I called he wasn't home.

My "little pumpkin" is doing great, he looks just like Tony at his age and is too cute for words, I have plenty of pictures, I can't get enough of him. Just thinking of him, makes me smile. How I wish you could have held him in your arms, I miss you Dad.

I'll see you Sunday.

Love and Respect,

Linda #1 daughter

Dad,

Your great grandson will be 4 months old this saturday 8-2, he is the most precious person in my life besides Ma,Tony,Karen and you of course. He fills my heart with happiness and at the same time, oh how I wish you were here to see him and hold him. Please keep watching over Ma, the thought of losing her is too much to bear, she is doing better. Tony and Karen are doing the white wash for the buildings. My little family and I have put lotsa plants in your yard, like you and Tony did, our little garden is in your memory, cause we know how you loved your house. I'm hoping to buy your house and keep it in the family, we feel safe there and it's been in our family for so many years, it would kill me to lose the house and it's breaking my heart already. I'll see you this weekend Dad and we'll talk, I need to get things off my chest so to speak.

Love and miss you,

Linda #1 daughter

July 3,2003
Dad,
This has to be the hardest week of my life, these are the last days we spent with you. I truly hope you know that I will never forget you and will visit you often, it's still important to me that you know you are not alone even in death.
I know we had to let you go and yet it doesn't seem real, seems like yesterday we were watching the Cubs on your big screen TV, I am so glad we got that for you.
I still wonder if you knew all the long what was happening to you before the doctors told us you had cancer and if so, I hope we did what you wanted us to do. I read my journal once in awhile,on one page I wrote "I want my Dad back". You didn't deserve the pain you endured.
I will always love and miss you and will be with you on every July 7th.
Love you Dad,
Linda

Dearest Dad,

It's Sunday, Father's Day and I want you to know that I am so proud to have you as my Dad and I will always love and respect you. You will forever be in my heart and prayers.

This is my first Father's Day without you but I will always come and see you. It will be difficult day for me, cause I'm am torn between being sad and missing you and thrilled for Tony on his first Father's Day, Dad he is so good with your Great Grandson, you would be so proud of the father he is.

Karen and I are keeping up with your putting plants in the yard, this is also something I will do for you.

Happy Father's Day

Love and Respect,

Linda

Dad,

Sunday is Father's Day and it will be my very first one without you!

I still can't believe that you are gone. I miss you so very much.

I miss so many things about you.

I miss the way you made us laugh so hard, and I miss playing cards with you.

I went to my first class at College on Wed. Can you believe it?

I wish you were here to see me reach my goal. I know you're proud of me, Dad. (I'm proud of myself)

I am taking good care of Ma so don't worry about her. She's doing well. She talks about you a lot. I know she misses you very much.



I will be at the Cemetery on Sunday for Father's Day. I will continue to spend this special day with you every year as long as I live.

Thanks Dad, for being the "Best Dad" in the world. I couldn't have asked for a better Father than you! You were always there for me and I knew you loved me even though you didn't express your feelings, but I felt your love.

I know that you are still watching over me now, and I also know that I will be with you again, when it is my time to leave this world.

Rest in peace, Daddy.

I love you!

Bob misses you too, and so does Raisin. He still has the toy you bought for him at the Flea Market.



Talk to you Sunday.

Love,

Sue

Dad,

Your great grandson is one month old today, he is the cutest baby I ever saw, he's keeping his Mommy and Daddy up at night, oh well, we all went thru it. Ma's back in the hospital after she was released when she had a heart attack, her meds made her feel worse, but now she's ok and coming home tomorrow. I got tickets to the Cubs game, same seats as before when we went. I'm taking Jacki and Tina and Patty this time, I wish it could be you, the time we went is one of my favorite memories of you. I am planning on buying your house and keeping it in the family, Tony and Karen and I don't want to move. The house has too many memories and we want Lil Gunner to go to Mark Sheridan, just as you, me and Tony did, oh, and our neighbors gave the baby a gift when he came home, Aunt Shirley sent one to. Everyone loves him and is glad they gave him your name, especially me!

See you sunday,

love and miss you.

Linda

4-14-03

Dad,

My special angel arrived on 4-2, he is so cute, he looks just like Tony at birth. His name is Xavier Gonzalo after you, I am so proud that Tony and Karen would pick your name. He is a big bundle of joy 10lbs 9oz. I am thrilled beyond words about my first grandson, and sad at the same time cause you're not here to see him. Tony is great with the baby, you would be proud of him, Dad. This easter will tough for me, cause that's the last holiday we had with you at home. I miss you everyday and it still hurts. Rest easy Dad, I'll see you on sunday.

Love and Respect,

Linda aka Grandma, I like that!!!!!!

Dad,

It's getting close for Karen to have the baby, I'm happy and sad at the same time, sad cause you're not here to see your first great grandchild, but he will have your name and that means the world to me. I remember the first time I handed your first grandchild to you, how proud I was and happy to see my son with his grandpa, and you and Tony were together the rest of your days. I am so happy that I took lots and lots of pictures of you with your grandchildren at different ages and all our family gatherings. These are the pictures I'll show my grandson and tell him all about my fond memories of you.

I'll see you on sunday, I love you Dad,

Your #1 daughter,

Linda

2-7-03

Dad,

It's been 7 months since you left us and it's still unbelievable, I guess I'll never get over your loss, but I accept the fact that you are not suffering anymore.

Tony and Karen's baby shower was great, we had a good time, the food and goodies(Patty made your favorites "snowballs") were a hit with the guests. They got plenty of nice gifts, they are painting the baby's room, sky blue with a border of blocks, different colors and pictures drawn by Karen and one of her friends and Tony, it looks nice. Dad I am so excited about my grandson, and just so you know Rob calls him "Little Gunner", they haven't decided on his first name yet, I can't wait and we'll tell him all about you, anyway I'll see you this sunday.

I love you Dad,

Linda #1 daughter.

Dad,

This Saturday, we are going to the memorial mass for you at St Anthony's, and we celebrating Ma's 83rd birthday too, another family event where you will be missed.

Tony and Karen are doing fine and I can't wait for your first great grandson, sometime in March. This summer, we'll bring him to see you. I still can't get over the fact that you are gone, I guess I'll never get over it. In my mind,I know you are at rest and in no pain, which I am grateful, but my heart still hurts for you, especially when there's a card game or when I come home and your car's not there. It's the little things that still brings me to tears.

I'll visit you on sunday, Dad, I still don't want you to be alone.

Love you always,

Linda #1 daughter

Dad,

You were missed so much, but we managed to get thru xmas, now new years. I'm planning to stay with Mom and I'll see you on new years day. I know it was silly to take you some cookies but ever since I started making your favorite cookies and I made them for you and will continue to do so as long as I live.

I started making the baby a blanket, thanks to Gramma for teaching me how to crochet.

Love you Dad,

Linda

12-16-02

Dad,

The holidays are here and it's just not the same, this saturday we're making tamales, something that reminds me of you, and I guess I'll still make your favorite cookies this year, but it's gonna hurt.

I'm sorry Dad, but I am still angry and hurt by your loss and the suffering you went through, I'm trying to deal with it, but it hurts too much. I'd like to think that God is sending me a grandson to ease the pain of losing you and he's gonna bring joy back into my life and I know he will, but you won't be here to enjoy your first great grandson. Tony's reception went very well, I know you were there with me and now christmas is almost here. It's been five months since you left us and I still can't believe it, but I keep you in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

I love you Dad,

Linda

11-7-02

Dad,

As much as I love the holiday season, I'm not looking forward to it this year with you gone from our lives, but you are always in my heart and thoughts and prayers.

I called Danny and Coz to see how they are doing, they miss you too. I haven't called Pete yet, but I will. I talk to Aunt Mary and Aunt Barbara, I feel it's important to keep in touch with them cause they are part of your side of the family.

I miss you, Dad

Love,

Linda

Dad,

I miss you so much it hurts, nothing is the same anymore, I'm sorry for what's going on now and my heart and spirit are broken by this, I hope you understand my hurt.

I love you Dad,

Linda

8-22-02

Dad,

It's official, Tony and Karen are married. It was a beautiful day, Ma and I were there and Karen's family and Rob. We missed you, but I know you were with us in spirit. It seems that I can express my feelings by writing them down and I have a hard time verbalizing them. This is one way for me to let you know what's going on, I know it sounds crazy, but it helps me. Your in my thoughts all the time Dad and I miss you terribly.

Love you always,

Linda

Dad,

It breaks my heart that you will miss your only grandson's wedding on 8-21-02. I'm still angry and heartbroken at losing you, I wish I knew what you were feeling at the time all this was happening to you. It is so unfair and I'll carry you in my heart always.

I Love You Dad,

Linda

Dear Dad,

My Sunday's are filled with the memories of the day we lost you, I relive the moments we the doctor called me and we all went to the hospital and made the hardest decision of my life, to let the best father in the world go, I can't believe this has happened. It hurts so much and I am so sorry that you had to suffer the indignities of cancer.

I love you Dad,

Linda

Dear Dad,

Last Sunday was the darkest day of my life, we had to let you go, so you wouldn't be in pain anymore. I know you felt all of us there with you, when you took your last breathe, it was the hardest thing to watch, but we had to be there with you. I will miss you so much, words can't express. You will always be in my heart, I love you Dad.

You alway have my love and respect,

Linda, your #1 daughter

Sue & Bob,

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope that each day that passes brings you happier memories.

MY AUNT AND COUSINS,



WE HAVE HAD SO MANY LOSSES IN OUR FAMILY,IT IS SO OVERWELMING. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND I CAN UNDERSTAND THE PAIN THAT YOU MUST BE FEELING. KNOW THAT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. ONE OF MY PRAYERS IS THAT THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT.I ALSO SEND MY LOVE TO EACH OF YOU AND IF I CAN DO ANYTHING LET ME KNOW.



LOVE SYLVIA