In September of 2007, my younger brother Chris lost his valiant battle with cancer. He was, right to the end, faithful, grateful and hopeful. He had much to live for, especially his wonderful wife Michele, and their loving daughter Janine.

Chris was many things to many people. But one thing he was to everyone was loving. He was kind, funny, loyal and full of life. His sense of humor was unmatched and with him right to the end. To me personally, I thought of him more like a son than a brother. Our parents both worked, and back in the 50's, things were different. We didn't have a babysitter. I, at 9, and he at 6, sort of just managed on our own. My parents worked hard and did the best they could. It was rough on them, I know. But what came from that experience was a gift for both of us. I always took him with me, whether it was to a friend's house, or to cheerleading practice, he was my shadow. My friends accepted this situation and although there were occasions when they complained that he was cramping our style, they also came to like him because he was such a special boy. And he became a special man. That bond continued all throughout our lives. I was there during his long illness, doing everything within my power to help him heal. His wife was devoted to the very end as was his daughter. We tried everything conventional, alternative, nutritional and spiritual....left no stone unturned. There were, unfortunately, many medical errors involved and these caused a series of events which led to his deterioration and ultimately, his death. But until 2 days before his passing, we continued to work for and pray for, a miracle. Sadly, it was not meant to be. Although our prayers weren't answered in the way we had hoped, he was indeed, healed. Totally, physically, emotionally and spiritually healed, and for that I am most grateful. Most of all, I am honored to have been with him when his journey ended, soothing and comforting him in his greatest time of need.

I wish you all could have met him because you would have loved him! . He was an accomplished musician (drummer), an incredibly talented artist (In the near future, I hope to be able to post photos of his many beautiful paintings and drawings), and hands down, the funniest man I have ever known. All throughout the weekend during his services, the common thread running through the conversations were about his humor. People told stories of how they used to stamp their feet, tears streaming down their faces as they begged him to stop because they were laughing so hard. Even the priest's eulogy included a poem about Smiles. His greatest purpose on his journey, in my opinion, was his role as a Peacemaker. Even as a child, he couldn't stand fighting and was always trying to negotiate or intervene so that relationships ran smoothly. As with all families, we had our share of squabbles and estrangements. It was his lifetime goal that we all be reunited in peace and harmony. That was achieved during his illness and passing. I only wish he could have lived to enjoy it. But in my work, I have come to know about life after death, about the continuation of our lives from one form to another, and I know that he will be with us always, in times of joy as well as times of sorrow. I am comforted by that knowledge.

A light has truly gone out of my life, but I have no doubt that the heavens are now dancing to the beat of a magnificent heart. Goodbye for now, my dear Chris, and know that we will be together again some day, and until then, rest in the arms of our loving Lord and Father.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God".

 

My Cousin Bob

My husband once said, “A special person like Bob, if you are lucky, comes along once in a lifetime”.  We were lucky.  We had the honor of not only knowing him, but loving him as well. He was a wonderful cousin to me but he and I often said we thought of each other more as brother and sister. Even as a child, he always had a smile on his face and kindness in his heart. His family meant everything to him, especially his wife Theresa, and his brother Bill who shared his love for music.

There was a purity about Bob that was obvious every time you saw him.  A light surrounded him always. No matter what the situation, anytime you made eye contact with Bob, he had a smile for you that would light up the room You could see the joy on his face when he played his music.We have so many memories of going to hear him play those drums…what a pro.  He and his brother Bill, a brilliant guitarist, made a fabulous team.  Rounding out the band were Bob’s wife Theresa, who sang and played keyboard, and Kurt England, on Bass and Vocals. The music they made was so incredibly seamless…they blended from their hearts, loving each other and loving what they did. 

When he first learned he was ill, (he had been diagnosed with Mesothelioma), it was, obviously, a huge blow.  He exuded such joy for life and loved Theresa so much, it was painful to watch them deal with this news. They worked side by side all through their marriage, and now devoted their time and efforts to healing his body.  They left no stone unturned.  Their love and dedication to each other played a huge role in Bob’s months of good health and restored energy.  He was able to go back to work, to play with the band (Blue Taxi), and enjoy his family and friends.  That was a priceless gift of time that he was so very grateful for.  He often said, “No matter how this turns out, I will always be grateful for this time”.

Although things didn’t end the way we had prayed they would, we too will always be so very grateful for the years we had with Bob. We are also very grateful to have his CDs to listen to and enjoy his incredible talent.  We know he is up in heaven, playing drums with my brother Chris…and, to borrow the words of his brother Bill, he is, no doubt, the “Rockinest Cat in the Galaxy”

Until we meet again Cugino, you will remain in our minds and hearts always.
Love, Cugina Paula

 

To view and listen to a Youtube video of my cousin Bob Capuano, click on this link:

Bob Capuano on You Tube