A request to my friends...

@howard96h (11640)
New York, New York
June 3, 2008 6:38pm CST
I am feeling so sad and down right now my friends, it is about my cousin John. My cousin lives in New Jersey (Asbury Park), He is 50 years old, only 5' 4" tall and weighs only 100 pounds. A few months ago he and a friend decided to take a walk to go to the store to pick up a few things and there was a short cut that led them through a park area. As they were walking through, they were surrounded by 5 guys who demanded their wallets, jewelry and anything else they had of value, as my cousin and his friend handed everything over to them they were not satisfied and one had a metal bar, another had a wooden 2x4 and a third had a crowbar and they started to beat them. My cousin was hit numerous times in the head and they broke 4 ribs, his left arm, an eye socket, his jaw was dislocated and they fractured his skull, they left his friend unconscious on the floor. John was bleeding heavily from his head wounds but when he saw his friend was unresponsive he doesn't know how he got the strength and energy to pick him up but he did and he carried him on his shoulder to the first house he could find, he laid him down on the porch and asked the people who lived there to please call the police and ambulance, he then laid himself down and when he woke up they were in the emergency room. He saved his friends life. The guys who attacked them were never caught. John has had 2 strokes and a heart attack since the attack and his health has been getting worse. I have made numerous trips every month to go see him and help him out, he needs a walker to get around... I just received a call that he died last night, I loved him so much, we were so close and now he is gone. Please say a prayer for my little cousin John that he makes it to heaven. Thank you my friends.
15 people like this
29 responses
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
3 Jun 08
I am deeply saddened that he passed away. Its hard to believe what some people do to other people. My prayers to you and the rest of the family at this hard time. I'm so sorry to hear the attackers were never caught. It makes me so angry when nice people go through so much.
2 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
3 Jun 08
Thank you so much, I appreciate your support.
1 person likes this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
3 Jun 08
candle and roses - candle and roses with flame
Oh that is so sad, I honestly don't understand what is happening in this world today, no-one seems to have respect for another persons life, it is very sad, all I can say to you howard is I feel sure your friend is now in a better place where there is no pain, no violence, only love and peace...
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
3 Jun 08
Thank you very much, I hope my cousin is now at peace and pain free, no more suffering.
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
3 Jun 08
Thank you for the candle and roses.
1 person likes this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
4 Jun 08
Awwwww Howard, I am so sorry. Such a sad story but what a hero your cousin was by helping his friend. I pray for him to be in a better place in his final resting place. I am sad for you and hope you can recall all the fun times you had with John. The fond memories are important. Take care, carolbee
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
All my friends here will never really know how much their support is helping me through this. I thank you all. Yes your right Carolbee, I must remember all the wonderful times we shared together.
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
4 Jun 08
My deepest sympathy to the rest of your family also.
@vanities (11395)
• Davao, Philippines
3 Jun 08
that was sad, i mean of what had happened to him before the stroke..it was so brutal and all...and yes i will pray for him to have peace and in heaven..
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thank you Vanities, and thanks for the prayer.
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
3 Jun 08
your discussion left me crying howard. i will light a candle for John and i am sorry for your lost. he is a true hero for even he is also hurt he still manage to help his friend. i hope all of us has that kind of strength to help others in need. a very true hero. hats down for John, may his soul rest in peace.
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thank you my friend, your beautiful words made me cry. Thank you for the candle and yes, John is my hero!
1 person likes this
@JTerrasi (199)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I am sorry. I didn't know all this was going on with you. My prayers and thoughts are sent to you. I am thinking of you. Janet
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
7 Jul 08
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. My cousin's wish was to be cremated and his brother could not afford to buy an Urn so I bought one for him and it is beautiful. I feel so happy to be able to get this for him since it will be his final resting place.
1 person likes this
@caramello (4377)
• Australia
5 Jun 08
RIP John. This is very sad howard and it makes me quite angry to think that a persons' life has been cut short by some low-lifes for their own purpose. My son has been beaten up twice and he was alone and there were up to 5 "brave" fellas both times and did severe damage to him. Even though one heals physically, it damages them mentally. I hope you find peace in knowing that John is at peace and must say I have tears in my eyes after reading this!
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
5 Jun 08
Hi Caramelo, I am sorry to hear about your son I know the anger you feel because I feel the same. If we don't get to see these "low-lifes" suffer at least we know they WILL suffer one day because they will have to answer for their bad actions. You are right about John being at peace and not suffering no more - thank you Caramelo.
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
4 Jun 08
Hi howard Im so sorry about your friend. Just remember all the good things you guys did.Its really hard I just lost a friend last week so I know the feeling. My prayers are with you. Take care my friend,. Big hugs to you.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Terry thank you and I am sorry for your loss too, it is very hard loosing the people we know and love.
@babystar1 (4233)
• United States
4 Jun 08
I am so sorry for your loss.I sure hope they fine all 5 of the guys and lock them up in prison.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
I sure hope so babystar but if they never do I know one day they will pay for this one way or another. Thank you my friend.
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I am very sorry for your lose. My prayers are with you and your cousin. This is a sad world we live in.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
6 Jul 08
Thank you so much Naty, it is so sad that there are evil people in this world. Have a great day my friend.
1 person likes this
@mamacathie (3928)
• United States
5 Jun 08
oh, howard, I am so sorry for your loss. I have whispered a prayer for you and all your family in this time of loss. I know it is hard but if he knew the Lord is he right by His side rejoicing. I am here for you if you need me. Message me if you need to. God bless you!
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
6 Jun 08
Mamacathie, thank you for your prayer I really appreciate it. God Bless you my friend.
@sjohnson628 (3197)
• United States
5 Jul 08
OMGOSH! This is tragic Howard. I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't been on mylot in a while I am just catching up here. I am truly sorry.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
5 Jul 08
Thank you my friend. I pray every day for him and I hope he is happy and in heaven.
@smallT (376)
• United States
4 Jun 08
I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. My condolences to you.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
SmallT thank you very much.
@vimaal (3361)
• India
6 Jul 08
hi howard, i really now sadness for your message pa. ok take care.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
6 Jul 08
Thank you very much my friend.
• United States
4 Jun 08
Oh Howard I'm so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. In the end, those responsible will pay. I'm sorry for your loss. May God help you with your pain.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thank you hockeygal, even if they are never caught I know they will pay when their time comes.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
4 Jun 08
I felt terrible reading your post and my sincere condolences are with you.That poor thing!! How miserable ? It is so painful that people have to behave in this abominable way. Does he have a wife and family or was he a bachelor/ May that good man's soul rest in peace and I pray that God gives you enough strength and courage in this situation.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thanks Kalav. His plans changed after the attack and he chose to remain unmarried because his body was so bad. Now I believe his body, mind and soul is perfect. Thank you for your prayer.
1 person likes this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
4 Jun 08
Howard I'm so sorry for your loss, I cried as I read this. It is never easy to lose someone who is close to us. I'm sure John is happy now, and his pain and suffering is over now. I will say a prayer for you and John.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thank you so much my friend, you are right about his pain and suffering is now over. Thank you for your prayer.
@hcpoirot (1562)
• Indonesia
4 Jun 08
I am so sorry about what hapenned to your cousin. He was a good and brave man cause he was heavily wounded and picked up his friend to find help. I am sure somewhere in heaven, he was touched by your love for him here. I also say the prayer with you.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thank you Hcpoirot, I really love what you wrote "I am sure somewhere in heaven, he was touched by your love for him here". That was beautiful and has made me feel happy. Thanks for your prayer my friend.
@jczvrse (169)
• United States
4 Jun 08
OMG that is terrible Geez I am sooo sorry for your loss. Your cousin was a real hero. I am so sure he is heaven bound but I will keep him in my prayers and you as well also I pray they catch the cowards that did this to them. Again I am so sorry for your loss let us know if you hear anything about the cowards being caught.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
I hope they catch these cowards too so they can't hurt anyone else. Thank you for your prayers my friend.
@metschica25 (5399)
• United States
4 Jun 08
Howard, I am so sorry for your loss and all the pain you and the family are going through. Things like that should never happen ;*( This world is such a sad place at times. It is not right how he suffered , may you find some peace soon . My heart broke while reading this post. I hope they find you ever did this to him. Those are some sick people. I will say a prayer .
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Jun 08
Thank you metschica for your kind words and prayer. I know my cousin is at a better place right now.