Dr. Sebastian Arena

All these many years later, I remember the day Dr. Arena operated on my father, saving his life in 1970. I can still see his face as he came out of the operating room to tell us our father would live.
I will be forever grateful.

Dear Dad,
There is so much going on in my life that I wish I could talk to you about. I know you would have the wisdom to guide me. I miss you so much. I know that you are watching over me. And I promise to try to be as strong as other people perceive me to be. I don't feel very strong right now. Thank you for being my guardian angel. I know you must be. I love and miss you so much.

Love,
Belly Bell

Dad, it's another first today. We've had the first Christmas without you, gotten through your birthday, quietly celebrated the 50th birthday of your oldest child and gotten through three other birthdays without you, too. We've been through Easter and the 6 month anniversary of your passing. Now, it's Father's Day, and you aren't here with us. I know you are watching over us from Heaven and that you know how much we miss you. The love gets stronger as time passes; the pain comes in waves, but...

Dad, it seems to be getting harder instead of easier. Time just reminds us all of how much a part of our lives you were and of how much we miss you. Arky keeps asking about Heaven and how come you can see us but we can't see you. He misses you so much. We all do. Happy Easter -- you are in the holiest place of all and must now understand the true depth of Easter and Jesus' resurrection. We love you. Mary

It's been a tough week for us all, Dad. With all of our March birthdays, we've all been missing you and thinking about you more than ever. But we remember you and talk about you with smiles and laughter...for the most part, anyway. There are, and always will be, rivers of tears. It is so hard to stop crying. We all miss you so so very much.
I love you and miss you forever.

xo
Belly Bell

It almost feels like this is another way to talk to you, Dad. Prayers and the internet -- does Heaven have computers?! Arky told me last night that he wished he could find some magic so that he could bring you back so that I could see you. Pretty amazing concept for a three year old, isn't it? He misses you, too. I hope you have had a wonderful reunion with your mommy and poppy and now with Aunt Lucy. Show her the ropes, and don't forget to save us all a seat. We love you, Dad.

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Arena's death. He had an enormous influence on my life. In 1966, he chose me to be his first private scrub nurse. I was so proud...a fairly new graduate, and he saw something in me that I didn't even know I possessed. We worked closely together for the next three years...he even took me to Stone Harbor with his family one summer. I learned so much working with him, and will always remember him with love and gratitude.

Dear Dad,
I am sitting here on this first Christmas without you missing you so much. I love you. I miss you. And I know I will see you again. Keep a watchful eye over us all, ok?
Mez Kimuss, Dad.

Love,
Belly Bell

We share the same Sicilian heritage and even shared the dialect during visits. It was with such pride that I was able to call you "My Dr." Not only did you operate on me but I also trusted you with my 9 month old son. No greater trust or respect can be given.

Kurt Lamendola