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Holiday then, now
By DEBRA GRAZIANO, Special to the Times
Published December 14, 2007
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John Graziano at age 4 with his favorite stuffed animal, a dog named "Gundy" that he took almost everywhere, and the top of the family tree that he trimmed to use as his Christmas tree for "Gundy."
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[Graziano family]
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[Graziano family]
John Graziano in front of the family Christmas tree at age 3.
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Debra Graziano sent this e-mail to the St. Petersburg Times to share her memories of her son, John. In years past, Christmas was truly the most wonderful time of the year for our family. John especially loved Christmas. Even as a toddler, he would help decorate the tree. Of course, being so small, he would choose a few branches within his reach and hang all his ornaments on them. Then throughout the season he would rearrange them. When he was about 31/2 years old, he tried to hang the ornaments a little higher and the tree came tumbling down on top of him. I ran from the kitchen to see this massive tree on the ground with a little face peeking through the branches. He calmly and quite seriously said, "I guess there will be no Christmas this year." I couldn't help but laugh at this unflappable child lying under a mountain of a tree with tinsel in his hair. He would take the top part of the tree, which had been trimmed to fit in the living room, and decorate it for his "Gundy" a stuffed dog that he took everywhere. John also loves Christmas music, although he would complain a bit if I played O Holy Night more than five times in a row. I admit I am a bit obsessive about that song. And he loves the lobster dinner on Christmas Eve and sat in front of his own huge lobster since he was in a high chair. This Christmas is different. Our John won't be with us but we will be with him. There are lights adorning his hospital room window and a decorated tree and nativity sit on his meal tray. People have been bringing gifts and students from Palm Harbor Elementary have made beautiful cards. Yes, this Christmas will be different. It will be the most meaningful. It won't be about the tree or the music or the cookies. It will be about our saviour, Jesus Christ. My life stopped on Aug. 26, 2007. Christmas for our family began Aug. 27, when God sent His angels on earth into motion. May God bless you all with a blessed 2008. There is a CD player in John's room. It is set to replay O Holy Night at least five times in a row. My prayer is that John gets annoyed enough to wake up and complain. - Debra Graziano
[Last modified December 14, 2007, 00:00:39]
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Comments on this article
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by Deb
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12/14/07 01:43 PM
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My daughter survived a horrific car crash with brain trauma, and God can work miracles! We were told she would die, then have severe brain damage, and she is fine now. I will pray for your son and also you Debra, It is so hard on the parents!
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by Robert
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12/14/07 01:42 PM
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John is just resting so he can show all of us the way to our lord and savior through prayer and belief.When he awakes he will tell you all about his angel and the guidance he got to be here with you all.John loves you and knows your with him.BlessYou
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by Lisa
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12/14/07 11:35 AM
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guess the music worked a bit, didn't he just open his eyes?
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by Jewel
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12/14/07 10:05 AM
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We're pulling for you John. Miracles happen every day. My wish is that you be the next one. God Bless.
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by John
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12/14/07 09:00 AM
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The lesson from this tragedy, do not associate with reckless daredevils and never get into a car with them.
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by Theresa
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12/14/07 08:31 AM
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Thru John's experience other kids will relate and understand life can change in an instant. Jesus understands pain,he will comfort you. I pray for John recovery & his families healing. God Bless & Merry Christmas.
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by Dr_Dug
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12/14/07 08:25 AM
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Merry Christmas Graziano Family...and peace be with you...Everyday is a new beginning.
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by angel
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12/14/07 07:51 AM
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as you know debra ,,its the lords will ...amen.
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by David
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12/14/07 06:28 AM
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Debra and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish those mememories as you do. I hope John makes some recovery, at least enough to complain about O Holy Night being played more than 5 times in a row. David
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by Laura
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12/14/07 05:43 AM
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Don't give up Deb. John is where he needs to be right now. He will come around. I know he will. Have faith I did now I have my husband back. He has some brain damage but at least he's here. GOD IS THE GREATEST. Keep the faith. Love to you and John.
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