While a friend was in hospital for a bone marrow transplant, I noticed that the most stressful thing about cancer was not the risk of dying, it was what cancer does to relationships with those who care about you. Thank you for sharing the most painful experience anyone can experience Angelo, I believe that you and Jennifer have touched more people than you will ever know.
Angelo- I am so sorry for the loss of your wife at such a young age. I believe that you + your wife were so lucky to have found each other .+ felt the intensity of that love. So many of us spend lifetimes searching for, but never finding, a love that is real + that lasts - the type of love you spoke of. You seem like such a wonderful person + your words do justice to your wife’s memory + the beauty of her soul. May she rest in peace + I wish you all the best in life.
I myself am a survivor of cancer and I have the luck to be in a couple like you, so in love and human next to me , I can tell you that Jen was in pain, but could appreciate everything you did for her. It´s amazing the hommage that you make to life: to keep going, cause you understand that urge for something so beautiful...Thanks Angelo
On March 2, 2014, I lost my next-of-kin brother; although not the love of my life, or love at first sight; his loss devastated me; for he was my lifelong brother, friend.....went to private schools together, public high school together, roomed together in College; I loved him, and I still do, even though he is gone. Angelo's story dwarfs my story of grief, yet provides me hope that a life of purpose can and will be meaningful again. Thank you Angelo Merendino. My love & respect, admiration goes out to you.
If only this Ted Talk had appeared 19 days earlier or I had discovered you sooner, Mr. Merendino, I could've showed this to my Mother and have smiled and cried over this together with her.
God bless you. I understand loss. My husband who was the love of my life for 33 years, died suddenly on the couch. I understand loss. I know what it does to you and to your heart I understand what a broken heart is. I am SO SORRY you lost her. You didn't even get the chance to go 20 years. But your love was so real and special. What you are doing is so special and precious and you should be proud of yourself for it. :)
Squeezing this story. So sweet, like a treasure. Seizing every second, saluting with salutation...sweetest of TRUTHS,...the tallest things in life. Ahhh,...so raw, so inspiring. Thank you.
On 8/30/2012 I lost a very dear person to cancer. They call it "Squamous cell carcinoma" it was of the Vulva supposedly due to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) my grandmother, my second mother, my best friend. She was 92 years young (worked until she was 86 years old) the only true person in this world I could be myself around, so much love & trust that I could tell her anything (even over my current relationship with my soul mate) My grandma was the perfect example of a true christian. Even though religious she always accepted not only myself but my soul mate Margaret. She loved us fiercely, never once condemned us regardless of her faith. Unlike the rest of my family (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles & cousins) she had so much love, respect & faithfulness towards Margaret & myself both. Though she may not have been my soul mate, she was the most important person in my life. It's so sad watching anyone you love suffer & eventually past from cancer. I immediately volunteered myself as her caregiver. Without even knowing how bad things would get I did not hesitate. Things became really bad quickly, especially struggled a lot. Family members whom always seemed to be around disappeared or refused to help her. Specifically her own estranged daughter Jeannie Watkins (Morgan). My aunt denied her own mother, stole $ & created so much drama that any NORMAL family would have sent this evil woman packing. Unfortunately for 7 weeks I rarely slept, didn't eat either. This woman called my uncles (her brothers) claiming this & that etc. My own mom was chewed out by her siblings due to this woman's lies. When I could take 20 or 30 minutes to myself I tried to sleep. Left someone else in charge to administer meds & cate for my sweet grandma. Unfortunately my aunt Jeannie Watkins (Morgan) would then try to convince those I charge to with hold all pain medications because grandma didn't need them. She truly wanted grandma to suffer out of spite due to be in supposedly mistreated as a young girl. Needless to say things were bad, I could go on & on with a massive list of horrible things this woman did to my grandma & myself as an exhausted caregiver. I truly hope no one EVER has to deal with losing the most important person in your life but also having to deal with someone whom is mentally ill like my aunt #Jeannie Watkins Angelo, you have my deepest sympathies & THANK YOU for sharing Jen & yours story. ♡
Yours was a beautiful love story that ended too soon. Thank you for sharing in such a unique and touching way. It's an inspiring reminder for us to live each day, help others and "love it all"
I recently lost my wife to breast cancer, and I find so many parallels between our journey and yours. I hope to share our story as warmly and movingly as you have. I'm not concerned with any measure of success except to help others by sharing our story. I am also an Ohioan, and Erin Santos was a childhood friend-our mothers went to high school together.
Time and life can be so unforgiving. I am so sorry she had to leave so soon, but so happy for you both that you got to experience a love many go a lifetime without knowing.
Gerald and I had the opportunity to meet you in person recently. I was lucky enough to become friends with Jennifer before she left us on FB. Your love story is amazing and what your are sharing with us is a lesson in life and love that lives on forever.
I didn't know love like this could be real in this day and time. I am blessed to have "stumbled" across your story and photographs. (Your photos are very good.) I feel renewed and look forward to living a more love-filled life. Many blessings for your courage to move forward. Peace
