A Birthday Remembrance

To the Editor:

Jonathan Ullo’s 18th birthday will be on November 27, 2000. We will have a box at the Saint Rose Cemetery for anyone who would like to drop off a message or card. If you care to participate you can also leave something in an envelope at the NHS main office or you can use the e-mail address below. On the day of his birthday his family will read the messages and cards to him and then store them in his room. Any messages/cards that are not marked as private may be copied and placed in a book that can be viewed or added to when you come to visit him. It might be fun to remember happy times and share them with each other.

How can I thank the friends and families of Newtown for the care and concern shown to our family during this difficult time? Maybe if I share some thoughts with you, it will help you to understand the comfort and support your visits, calls, and cards have brought to our family.

When talking to Jonathan’s friends one day I tried to say that Jonathan was a shy person, I wanted to thank them for taking the time to get to know him. I was pleasantly surprised when I was told so emphatically that he was much more of a class clown type. That he actually enjoyed making his friends choke on their lunch with his jokes.

Jonathan was indeed a shy child growing up, but he bloomed in Newtown. He found in Newtown an environment where kids accept each other for who they are, a place where you can be comfortable just being yourself. He was enjoying good friendships and working toward a bright future. So I will say “Weep not for the Memories,” instead rejoice in the happy times, smile when you think of silly moments and know in your hearts that this was a happy place for Jonathan.

Jonathan is now in another happy place with many arms to hold him. I sure hope that heaven knew what it was getting itself into. I’m certain that many of you can think of times when that boy tried to take the shortcuts, bend the rules, I know I can. Yet, in my mind he will make quite an angel with those blue eyes, that mischievous smile and (although he wouldn’t admit it) a heart of gold. He will always be an angel by our sides. Talk to him, I know he is listening.

Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone, someone else is listening too.

“For I, the Lord your God will hold your hand, saying to you, fear not, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

Patricia Ullo

19 Adams Hill Lane, Newtown                                    November 14, 2000