Monday, February 8, 2010

Tragedy strikes our family



I’m afraid I have some very bad news to share in this post. Last Thursday, at 3:30 in the afternoon, our beloved Tonico collapsed on the street from a heart attack. In spite of the quick intervention by a passing doctor who administered CPR until the ambulance arrived, he died. Zozó, Luiz and I were at his side encouraging him to hang on, but we lost him. He was three days shy of his 79th birthday.


This is life shattering for Zozó, his partner for the past 45 years. Her new way forward has not even begun to be imagined. For now it is a whirlwind of telephone calls, visitors, paperwork and tears. It is horrible to see her in such agony.


I’m going to refrain from eulogizing. Suffice it to say that Tonico (Antonio) was the rock on which Zozó has built her life all these years. His gentle heart and generous nature provided her with the love, support and stability she has needed to thrive. To say he will be dearly missed is ridiculously inadequate. Now everything changes.


We knew this day was coming. To be together with Zozó and Tonico was 90% of the reason Luiz and I moved here when we did. While these past two years were too short a time, we are grateful to be here now with Zozó during this horrendous tragedy.


As is customary in Brazil, we laid Tonico to rest the next day after receiving family, friends and colleagues in a chamber at the cemetery. The seven-day mass will be said at our local Catholic church on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.


Rest in peace Tonico. We love you.

11 comments:

Stephanie said...

So sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Luiz..and I am glad you are there with family to get and give support. Much love to you all

Unknown said...

My condolences to you both for this terrible loss to your family. Please take good care.

Fabio Bossard said...

He looked so healthy and active.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. My love, support and virtual hugs go out to you and the family. Much love,
Doug

Anonymous said...

Jim and Luiz,,My Love is with you in this time of deep grief,, Many Huggs, Kisses and Prayers for everyone,, Know that My thoughts and Heart are with you in spirit and soul,,

Graciously,,Miss Phae,, aka Abigail

Marcia Moseley said...

Luizinho meu amor,
Daqui, mando muita paz e amor nesse seu imenso coracao...

love

Marcia Moseley said...

Luiz and Jim,

Muita paz e amor no seu coracao...

Donna Jean said...

Please give Zozo and Luiz the biggest hug possible. Tonico was one of the sweetest men alive and I'm so happy Luiz is there at this time with his Mom, this is going to be very hard on her.Hang in there Luizino, I love you,
Donna Jean

Donna Jean said...

Jim, thanks for the wonderful pictures, made me cry. Lots of love, Donna

Jim said...

Thank you everyone. It has been and continues to be a really tough period. Please keep Zozó in your thoughts. Luiz too. We have a long road ahead.

Sidney Maria said...

muito amor para todos voces e o que eu desejo. Lindas fotos, beijos pra dona zozo e pro meu querido Luis.