Thomas Rago

Hi Dad, I thought about you today, as I often do. I thought about you yesterday and two days before that, too. Seven years without you hardly seems possible. We didn't know how we would survive but because you taught us what it means to be family, we've leaned upon each other and done well. Still, the grief we have over your death is ever present, like a heavy brick in my coat pocket. Maybe today you are chatting it up with Elaine? We sure miss her, too. Tommy and the kids were...

Hi Dad,
It's been a year since we've heard your voice, seen your smile and been kissed by you. We talked about you today (as we always do) - remember some of your favorite phrases like "this is so tasty," "my wife is the most beautiful women in the world" " I know I am right" and the list goes on. We all miss you so much- Mom, all of us and all of your grandkids. You left a lasting legacy here on earth Dad. You really did.

But none of us can measure up to you - I never...

Hi Dad,

Your very first Christmas with Jesus! I will guess that you will receive a 30 pound box of mixed chocolate with creme in the center. Of course you were right that your diabetes was more or less totally under control Yup. You were right. ("O.K. I'll just shut my mouth and not say anything") said you ten million times :)


Whoever said grief gets better with time lied. Sometimes the grief is so powerful that it feels like I died, too. But, I carry on because...

Dad,
Our first Thanksgiving without you. It was not the same- no one to tell us that the food was "the best I ever tasted." No one to ask for "another piece" of pie. And no one to say "I am tired. Let's go now." We miss you and love you a ton. Think about you every day. Please watch over all of us- especially the new drivers in the family (4 soon to be 5 and then 6!)

Love you,
Marissa

Dad,
I am at your house with mom often. Your presence there is still strong- keep thinking that you will walk out of the tv room and say "Mary-got anything tasty to eat?"
I walk by your picture which mom placed on the table right in the hall so she can see you on her way to bed each evening and all of us can see you too. I kiss you and hope you are kissing me back. Dad- I love you and I hear you say "I know you do" - just like you always did .
Your baby-Marissa

Grandpa, we miss you every day. We missed you especially at Caitlin's wedding. We all love being together, but theres an empty space in that happiness where you should be. I know you would have loved being there. Anthony and I talked almost exclusively of how much we missed you that night.

Grandma looked beautiful. I can hear you saying 'Isn't my wife beautiful??' I think of you every day. Please watch over the family, grandma especially. Miss you always.
-Sara

Dad,
As we prepare for Easter, we miss you even more. We all keep thinking you will call soon but the phone is silent. Tomorrow we will all be together talking about all of the things you loved about having us all gathered at Melinda and Brian's house. You will always be with us Daddy, I love you.

Your "baby" Marissa

Dad,

Only 6 weeks. It seems like we've aged 10 years since you died. For the most part, we feel surrounded by grief.
We struggle to find our new normal since without you, our plumb line, everything seems off center. If tears could build a stairway we would be nearing heaven. Tatiana thinks you may be Heaven's Vet or that you are coaching Heaven's NBA team. We are assuming that Ceasar and Coco are best buddies who live to amaze you. Tatiana has been finding pennies everywhere and...

To the entire Rago family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Rago's recent passing. I have very fond memories of sitting in the shop while he visited with my dad. I spent many hours there as a child believe me! He was one of the most loving people I have ever has the pleasure of knowing. He was first of all a loving individual, gracious, hard working, and the type of man who would give someone the shirt off his back. He was a great listener, and full of wisdom. I know from the...