A lot of people think Johnny is special, especially us -- but it's hard for Mike and I to wrap our heads around why he was so special to complete strangers. He has that sparkle in his eye that always came through and touched everyone he met. Chicks love him.
I distinctly remember his kindergarten open house with Mrs. Tucker (she had Joey a few years earlier, so she probably thought Johnny would be a snap...) -- she pulled Mike and I aside and with a very serious tone told us "He's probably the smartest child I've ever had in my class, but you will never know it by looking at his report card (mostly B's and a few C's). In all my years teaching, I've never seen anything like this before, the girls fight over who will sit next to him during circle time and who gets to do his school work. And he lets them do it too!! I just had to put a stop to that right away, because he can't rely on women to do his work, he needs to learn to be a man..." Mike and I got the biggest kick out of what Mrs. Tucker said that night.
Obviously he was special way before he was diagnosed.
I felt the amazing moment Johnny was conceived. He was born on his due date. When I was giving birth to Johnny my epidural wore off so I also felt the incredible moment he was brought into this world and it was the most amazing feeling ever -- it literally didn't hurt and I instantly told Mike I wanted to do it again. After the nurses scooped Mike up off the floor, he told me to wait a few years before we made that sort of decision. Johnny was our only baby we didn't find out the sex before he was born -- and we were convinced he was a girl. We were so sure we had a ton of girl names but only a few boy names. Just a few hours before we left the hospital we decided to name him Jonathan Michael Romano.
His favorite all-time movie is Peter Pan. Mike's mom used to ask him when he was about 3 and 4 years old, when he was going to be a big boy, he always told her "I don't want to be a big boy. I don't want to grow up!" He loved being a baby (and loves babies) and still drank out of sippy cups -- not the kind with the plastic thing inside to prevent drips and they didn't have handles, but they still had lids and resembled the sippy cup style.
He wore bathing suits 24/7 until about the 3rd grade. When we met families who had pools I told them Johnny wasn't trying to throw hints -- he just likes to wear trunks -- even during the winter. The only way we potty trained him was to take away his trunks. It took all of about 30 seconds and viola! No more diapers! He loved to go commando.
Johnny was diagnosed on Thursday, May 26, 2005. When he relapsed and started treatment, and was readmitted because of sepsis it was May 26, 2008. He started and ended his 121 day stay at TCH in ICU. He passed away in our arms on September 23, 2008 which was supposed to be the last day of treatment had he not relapsed. He was buried September 27, the day Galveston declared it "Johnny Romano Day!".
It sounds to me like he had this whole thing planned. Just wish he would have consulted us beforehand... I miss him so much. I feel blessed I was chosen to be his mommy, even if his visit was only to be a short one.
24 comments:
We were all extremely blessed to have had Jonathan in our lives even if it was only for a short while. He was such a beautiful child inside and out. Johnny was so loving and giving and so full of wonder.
Grandmommie
I used to work in G-town and I remember venturing over to that skate/surf shop on Broadway a couple of years ago during lunch and seeing Johnny's board for sale, and wavering on getting it before I walked out...without it. Huge regret now, for many reasons.
I hope all the Romanos are back on their feet soon and thanks for giving skateboarding a sort of unofficial mascot. And thanks for such an open, honest journal.
Thank you so much for writing your blog today Julie.... reading Johnny's blog has become a part of our daily routine and always has a way of bringing smiles and tears and laughter to the surface all at the same time!! You and Mike are amazing parents and God blessed you with Johnny because you too our extremely special in MANY ways....too many to mention. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call me.
Love,
Aimee
I'm just a reader of your blog, I wasn't blessed to know your son but he sounds like such an amazing little man! I'm so sorry for your lose and your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Wow, he was special and he did have a plan...I agree, wish he would have shared it. But here is the thing, to me, your whole family is special, and I am blessed to know you all.
Love you
Kathleen
When we were in Texas for Kristin's wedding, Joey and Johnny were running around your parents house completely naked and wearing cowboy hats! Andy has always referred to the boys as "The Naked Cowboys". I guess that just goes with what you said about Johnny loving to be nude :)
Thinking of you daily,
Sara
Thanks so much for sharing your special memories. We love you.
The starbucks 61st team has you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Johnny was a great kid. We were talking about when Mike Johnny and Joey came for our cheer party at the store last year. What a great time. Take care and if you need anything please let us know.
Jill Vantine and your starbucks 61st team,
I guess it is somewhat selfish of me, but I am so relieved that you haven't stopped blogging. I check the blog everyday. I always look forward to your words of inspiration, funny stories and the antics of the entire Romano family. The kinship which has developed here is another way that Johnny entered so many lives. So, I hope you know that we are all Johnny's extended family. We too feel blessed to have him in our lives. He will live on forever in our hearts.
Love you all!Kimberly Colmenares
Thank you for sharing that beautiful post.
Alicia in Seattle
Julie - thank you for sharing. Paul said I did have the pleasure of meeting you and Johnny both while I was pregnant with the girls @ a Grom Round up. I vaguely remember but as a pregnant woman's brain goes...
The post is beautiful and like many others, I am glad you are still writing. We are still praying for your healing...
julie,
As a mom I want you to know that reading your post was so heartfelt! Johnny was truly blessed to have you for his mom! For all moms out there we love you and are here for you always!
Laurie Lavender
Lblavender@verizon.net
Southlake, texas
My mom carol works with your mom! She adores your mom by the way!
Beautiful, that's all I can say. You are truly an amazing woman and most of all Mom. Your strength and love have no end!! I'm glad I saw you this morning!! You looked great and I looked like I just rolled out of bed (which I did), bed head, PJ's, slippers and all......I'll try to look nicer next time we meet - still praying for you guys. Kim z
Julie,
When Craig and I found out Johnny had passed, we went home and cried a million tears that day. That night when I was in bed thinking of all of you, I suddenly remembered the day we went to Malibu to meet you guys. Craig having so much fun playing with Johnny while we were loading the car and then Joey and Johnny sitting together in the restaurant giggling the whole time. This wonderful peace came over me and Craig and I decided that we would no longer be sad when thinking of Johnny. Instead, we will always honor his memory when thinking of him by smiling a little bit bigger, laughing a little bit harder, and having a little bit more fun. I believe there are people on this earth that shine so much brighter than the rest of us. They are here to inspire us and give us joy throughout our lives, even when they are gone. Johnny's light was shining so incredibly bright that it could only last for a short time. Love, Craig and Kelly
what an amazing kid. ill never forget you johnny. cant wait to see you again.
Julie,
I totally understand what you mean about there being something special about Johnny...and I think he got it from you! I will never forget that day in clinic...almost 3 years ago...you could tell we were newbies, and you came over and assured us that it would get easier. Thank you for that!!
I think we actually believed for the first time that it would.
Your entire family is special to us. I see you as the mom who always seems to "have it together" even when you maybe don't...Colin thinks Johnny is the coolest...Maggie still has the picture in her room of she, Johnny and Joey from last fall in San Francisco -- she thinks he's cute :-) And Ron and I saw Johnny as the boy who we wanted Colin to be again (at the time, Colin was unable to talk or walk from the chemo)
Thank you for inspiring us and setting such a wonderful example of how a family with a child with cancer can overcome such obstacles and be even stronger because of it.
Thinking of you often,
Mary McInnis
ron_sa@yahoo.com
Aloha from Hawaii. Never had the pleasure of meeting Johnny or Jules, but got to surf once with Mike @ scary (for me) DH Mansions and lots with Joey. My all-time favorite surf pal is "Aunt Liz."
to the Romano Family: THANK YOU for sharing Johnny's and your lives with all of us here in cyberspace. You are SUCH AN INSPIRATION. How remarkable that you remember Johnny telling you he didn't want to grow up. "Be careful what you ask for."
When I lost a close relative several years back, someone sent the quote below. I share it with you now as I think you'd understand. My prayers have been with you since I heard about Johnny and will continue. You are loved and appreciated more than you could ever imagine.
WHEN SOMEBODY DIES, A CLOUD TURNS INTO AN ANGEL
AND FLIES UP TO TELL GOD TO PUT ANOTHER FLOWER ON A PILLOW.
A BIRD GIVES THE MESSAGE BACK TO
THE WORLD AND SINGS A SILENT PRAYER
THAT MAKES THE RAIN CRY.
PEOPLE DISAPPEAR, BUT THEY NEVER REALLY GO AWAY.
THE SPIRITS UP THERE PUT THE SUN TO
BED, WAKE UP THE GRASS, AND SPIN THE EARTH IN DIZZY CIRCLES.
SOMETIMES YOU CAN SEE THEM DANCING (SKATING?)IN A CLOUD DURING THE DAYTIME
WHEN THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO BE SLEEPING.
THEY PAINT THE RAINBOWS AND ALSO THE SUNSETS
AND MAKE WAVES SPLASH AND TUG AT THE TIDE.
THEY TOSS SHOOTING STARS AND LISTEN TO WISHES.
AND WHEN THEY SING WINDSONGS, THEY WHISPER TO US,
“DON’T MISS ME TOO MUCH. THE VIEW IS NICE, AND I’M DOING FINE.”
Treat me kindly my beloved mother, for no heart in the world is more grateful for the kindness than the loving heart in you.
To the Romano family -
Thank you so much for sharing this time in your lives with us. I read the blog every day, and cried when I learned he had passed away. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. My son surfed with Johnny a couple of times - he was truly a great kid. Short though the time was, everyone was blessed to have had him in their lives, and we are all better people because of him. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this time with your blogs. We cried, laughed, cheered, and prayed. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
damn.....so sorry johnny this is really terrible you will be forever cherished loved and remembered and my heart goes out to your family
Making old skaters cry- one at a time.
Jules,
You were blessed, indeed, to be Johnny's mommy; and he was blessed to have you as his mommy. I remember when you were pregnant with that kid, and you were teaching some class I was in (I was still in Ground Ops at the time) and I recall thinking, "Why can't she be all bloated and fat like you're supposed to be...geez, the baby's due any time and she looks great. It just ain't fair!" I mean, you had on regular people pants, just tucked down under your belly, and what appeared to be one of Mikey's shirts, or something...I mean, it wasn't clown pants and a stupid maternity top, my standard uniform at that stage, and you didn't weigh 285 like I felt like I did when my kids were about to make their appearance. No, you looked chic, for crying out loud, running around that room, facilitating up a storm just weeks before Johnny got here. Then, not much later, when Mikey and I worked together, I remember meeting Johnny when he was still a teeny little guy and thinking "he's gorgeous." Physically, I thought that he was such an interesting mix of you and Mikey, but where Joey was pretty much a shrinky dink of Mikey (not a bad thing at all--handsome, dashing fellows, both!), Joey had a lot of Julie in his face.
All of us who love you will always remember your sweet boy, and like you, we'll be grateful for every minute of his brief, beautiful visit on earth. Each of your children is precious, Jules, and you and Mike are spectacular parents. It's been an honor and a privilege to watch you love them. Still praying, still loving you guys, cy
Everyone already thought of the best words....so all we can say is ditto to thanks. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, your friendship and most of all your family.
Melinda & Boog
^^ nice blog!! ^@^
徵信,徵信網,徵信社,徵信社,感情挽回,婚姻挽回,挽回婚姻,挽回感情,徵信,徵信社,徵信,徵信,捉姦,徵信公司,通姦,通姦罪,抓姦,抓猴,捉猴,捉姦,監聽,調查跟蹤,反跟蹤,外遇問題,徵信,捉姦,女人徵信,女子徵信,外遇問題,女子徵信, 外遇,徵信公司,徵信網,外遇蒐證,抓姦,抓猴,捉猴, 調查跟蹤,反跟蹤,感情挽回,挽回感情,婚姻挽回,挽回婚姻,外遇沖開,抓姦, 女子徵信,外遇蒐證,外遇,通姦,通姦罪,贍養費,徵信,徵信社,抓姦,徵信,徵信公司,徵信社,徵信公司,徵信社,徵信公司,女人徵信,
徵信,徵信網,徵信社, 徵信網,外遇,徵信,徵信社,抓姦,徵信,女人徵信,徵信社,女人徵信社,外遇,抓姦,徵信公司,徵信社,徵信社,徵信社,徵信社,徵信社,女人徵信社,徵信社,徵信,徵信社,徵信,女子徵信社,女子徵信社,女子徵信社,女子徵信社, 徵信,徵信社, 徵信,徵信社, 徵信社,
徵信,徵信社,徵信,徵信社,徵信,徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信,徵信社,徵信, 徵信社,徵信,徵信社,徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 外遇, 抓姦, 離婚, 外遇,離婚,
徵信社,徵信,徵信社,徵信,徵信社,徵信,徵信社,徵信社,徵信,外遇, 抓姦, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信, 徵信社, 徵信社, 徵信社, 徵信社,徵信,徵信, 徵信,外遇, 抓姦
徵徵徵徵徵徵徵信徵徵徵徵徵徵外遇抓姦離婚婚前徵信工商徵信尋人大陸抓姦法律諮詢家暴徵徵徵徵婚前徵信工商徵信外遇抓姦尋人離婚家暴大陸抓姦感情挽回徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵
徵徵徵徵徵婚姻挽回徵徵徵徵徵大陸抓姦徵徵徵尋人徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵
徵徵徵徵徵徵大陸抓姦徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵徵,徵信,徵信社
Post a Comment