For Lt. John Napolitano, Rescue 2 FDNY

My Beloved Son,

I miss you so much sometimes the anguish is unbearable. But I think of your strength, courage, and having seen firsthand your profound heroism, you give me the strength that I need to continue, and to be there for your family as best I can.

You would be very proud of them Son, Ann is giving the girls all the love and support that they need, and will not allow a broken heart to get in the way. Elizabeth and Emma miss their Daddy and cry for you, but even at a young age they seem to know how to pull it together and be there for their Mommy. Your three girls are doing you proud, and although their hearts are broken, their spirit is strong, and their love for you is the cement that holds them together, and nothing will tear them apart. That my Son, I can promise you.

I was so lucky to have you; not every father is fortunate enough to have a son that he could look up to. You dedicated your life to helping people and saving lives, you demonstrated at an early age a maturity and profound sense of decency not found in a great many people. You took your profession very seriously, but not yourself. You had a great sense of humor, and it was dearly appreciated by your friends, and so was your love which you gave so freely.

Your friends miss you so much my Son, they love you so, and my heart breaks for them. I visit from time to time with your fellow Firefighters, and when they speak of you, there is a tear and they all say the same thing, that you were special, and I understand, because my Son for me you always were and always will be special. Our time together was too short, and my anguish is unrelenting, but with all the sadness and pain, I would endure it again and again, because having you was a beautiful gift, and it would have been a far greater tragedy to never have had you at all. I walk about the house and the memory of you is overwhelming. I see the great man that you grew to be, but I can still hear the childhood laughter. The squirrels in the attic that you tried so hard to catch for me, are gone. It's as if they knew that you are not here and the game is over. Perhaps they cry too. I wish that they would come back so that maybe you would hear them, and you would come back to catch them, and I can see you again. I will never say goodbye to you my Son, I will be proud of you forever, and love you longer.

- Dad

Visit the Tribute to John Napolitano website

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