Dr. Rick Toracinta

Hello Son,

It has been one year ago today that you were called away. Sitting here thinking of you and the precious memories I have to cherish. All the good and kind things you did for people that were not known to most, even those close to you. All the Saturdays you spent on your knees praying with a young girl, asking God to help you save one child. The many Thanksgivings you spent at the homeless shelters serving food to the homeless. The meals you had on holidays in your home for those you had no families near to be with. The little girl next door who lost her puppy and you sat in the yard with her, helped her make signs and went with her to post then in the neighborhood. God bless you son for your kindness and the good heart you had, the smile most always on your face and you were always so humble. I shall always cherish those memories and I thank God that you and I shared so much, that I truely knew my son.

Last year was a horrible Thanksgiving. I have asked myself so many times,"what do I have to be thankful for". I can tell you now, I am so thankful God chose me to be your Mother, to care for you and to love you. Today, we went to your favorite place, the Shrine. I lit a candle for you and said a prayer. I ask the Blessed Mother to wrap her arms around you and tell you that I love and miss you so much. We came home and in your Memorial garden, we place a Christmas tree and put lights out for you, we also keep your candle lit for you in the garden. There are times when I go out to the garden, I sit and visit,I have actually felt you were there with me.

I have seen so many signs from you,I know you are watching over me. I saw the butterflies and last Christmas, I saw your sign so plain, it just smack me in the face. Thank you for letting me know you are with me. Its with your help and Gods grace that I make it through each day that passes.

I have said so many times,"if I could have had one last time", but I wasnt given that choice. Son, spread your wings and fly with the angels. A Mothers love will never die for her children. I love you and miss you so much.

Anniversary

I have asked Jesus to please help you get through this day;
For Him to touch, bless and comfort you in a very special way.
Rick was called  home; today marks  the anniversary, 
of  one year.
I know your heart is heavy, and in your eyes there is
more than a single tear.
The inexperienced can not know the heart ache
of losing a beloved child.
The grief is so bitter, raw and intense; it seems like
it will drive you wild.
Closure is just a word and the grief and agony 
seem they will never heal.
And you  start to hate the words that say
" I know exactly how you feel."
But God is watching over you  and His angels are
always  near you.
And you are  blessed with the butterflies that say
Rick  is there too.

My Memory of Rick

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Rick Toracinta. Rick was one of the van drivers on my stormchase tour in 2002 and he was one of the most friendliest guys I have ever met. He always had time to answer any questions and made me feel very welcome on the tour and my first visit to America.
My deepest sympathies go to all that knew Rick, especially family and friends. An enthusiastic meteorologist with a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences who will be sorely missed by all that happened to know him over the years.

My Dear Son,

 A beautiful memorial site to come and visit with you, yet, at times its makes me so sad to see that no candles were lit in your memory or a tribute left to you. Life goes on for others in this busy world, but I have to tell you, I was and always will be there for you. A Mother's love for her children never dies.

People think we have forgotten each time they see us smile,
But they don't know the heartache that our smiles hide all the while.
To some you are forgotten, to others a part of the past,
But to those who loved and lost you, your memory will always last. 

Love you,
Mom and Jim

Butterfly Wings

"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase 

            To Aunt Alma and Uncle Jim 


         Butterfly Wings      by Linda Owens 

Tears are an echo of the crushing hurt down deep inside
When we get the news that a cherished loved one has died.
We relive each moment and think of what might have been,
If we had but known how close it was to their earthly end.
You know Jesus weeps and bows His head in sorrow,
When He sees the pain that lies in store for us tomorrow.
He sends an angel to fetch our loved ones home to Him.
He is waiting to dry our tears as they overflow the brim.
We must ask for His help to get over our heart broken grief.
But before that can happen; we must accept Him and believe.
There is no suffering or pain where our angels have gone.
They simply earned their reward and Jesus took them Home.
We will never lose them as long as their memory remains,
So in this we can rejoice and turn loose of all the pain.
Blessings are sent from Heaven daily in very small things,
Like the very softest of caresses from a butterfly's wings.