Roll Forever Johnny

Click here to read Deluxe's Tribute.

Read what Damian from South Shore wrote...

September 23rd was to be an important date for Johnny... And it was, just not the kind I was looking forward to 9 months ago.  That was when Julie reminded me this particular date was a big day.  The day Johnny would be officially in remission after his 3 years plus maintenance and treatment was over.  If you haven't heard he had been hospitalized since May 31st, after his cancer relapsed on May 13th.  It has been touch and go since that Memorial Day. 

September 23rd was an important day for Johnny, Julie, Mike, Joey, Sophie and for all of us here.
 
Johnny was relieved of the pain, and his lease to us has ended.  "God wanted him back" as Joey so eloquently stated on the Blog....Joey's words are so special and private, but it's there for everyone on the Blog.

I have learned one thing for sure, that I am weak & scared in comparison to Johnny and the rest of this wonderful Romano family. They faced life with a smile even in the darkest times.  Johnny was the pinnacle of that.  He showed us all how you can face the day no matter what it threw at you.  I can only aspire to be that strong and I will do my best, if not I would be letting Johnny down.  We should all aspire to that level of strength and kindness. 

Sometimes in life you meet someone on this crazy world and you see angelic features in that person, be it in their face or spirit...Johnny had it in both...His whole family is just the same; beautiful, loving and with great spirit.  I'm only one voice in many that have been touched. I know that so many have and will be changed by Johnny's story. 

I am happy that I got to know him and become friends with his wonderful family.  I am happy his pain is gone.  I am happy he's seated with our Lord Jesus Christ.  I am happy that his story will inspire others, including myself.  I am happy that he was able to help Make A Wish & The Greater Houston Blood Center.  I am happy that he lived such a beautiful life to the fullest he could.
I am sad to know that his mission with us all has ended. 

"We are so selfish, we all want him here with us..." from a friend...
 
What has not ended is the cost of his treatment.  In lieu of cards, flowers and the such, please give generously to the Johnny Romano Fund. Mike and Julie's home was hit by Hurricane Ike this month and it's currently uninhabitable in Galveston; so they have been displaced.  Helping them with their medical bills would be a very angelic act.  Again, please give generously.
 
- Damian