Tribute to Richard

+Richard Raday Acevedo

HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY IN HEAVEN

FELIZ 5 ANIVERSARIO EN CIELO!

To Where You Are by Josh Groban

Who can say for certain? Maybe you're still here. I feel you all around me, Your memories so clear.

Deep in the stillness I can hear you speak. You're still an inspiration, Can it be?

That you are my Forever love, And you are watching over me From up above?

Fly me up to where you are, Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile
If only for awhile To know you're there. A breath away's not far To where you are.

Are you gently sleeping Here inside my dream? And isn't faith believing All power can't be seen?

As my heart holds you just one beat away, I cherish all you gave me Everyday.

'Cause you are my forever love, Watching me from up above. And I believe that angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave.

Fly me up to where you are, Beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight To see you smile
If only for awhile To know you're there. A breath away's not far To where you are.

I know you're there, A breath away's not far To where you are.

HACIA DONDE TÚ ESTÁS
por Josh Groban

Quién puede decirlo con seguridad? Quizás todavía estás aquí. Te siento a todo mi alrededor,
Tus recuerdos tan claros.

Profundamente en la quietud Puedo oirte hablar.Aún eres una inspiración, Puede ser?

Que tu eres mi Amor eterno,Y estás protegiéndome Desde ahí arriba?

Hazme volar para arriba hacia donde tú estás, Más allá de la estrella lejana
Sobre la cual deseo esta noche Verte sonreir Aunque sea por un rato
Para saber que estás allí. A un suspiro de distancia Es donde tú estás.

Estás durmiendo dócilmente Aquí dentro de mi sueño?
Y la fé no consiste en creer Que todo el poder no puede verse?

A medida que mi corazón te sostiene A sólo un latido de distancia,
Aprecio todo lo que me diste Todos los días.

Porque tú eres mi amor eterno,Protegiéndome desde ahí arriba.
Y creo que los angeles respiran Y que el amor continuará existiendo y nunca se irá.

Hazme volar para arriba hacia donde tú estás, Más allá de la estrella lejana
Sobre la cual deseo esta noche Verte sonreir Aunque sea por un rato Para saber que estás allí.
A un suspiro de distancia Es donde tú estás.

Sé que estás ahí, A un suspiro de distancia Es donde tú estás.

NACIO EN LA VIDA- 9 de julio, 1968

NACIO EN LA VIDA ETERNA- 18 de julio, 2003

Born into Life July 9, 1968

Born into Eternal Life July 18, 2003

Richard Raday-Acevedo was a young man, 35yrs old, who came from Santiago Chile to the U.S. in 2000. He was interested in Franciscan life in Chile but the Friars were very monastic in his country. When introduced to Friar Johnpaul and the Franciscans here, Richard was impressed with their spirit and the variety of work they did in this country. His dream was to be a counselor and work with children. Richard completed two years at the Catholic University of Santiago in psychology. With a tourist visa, he arrived in May of 2000 to Chicago. He helped out at Hales Franciscan High School, St.Basil Visitation Church where he lived with the Dominicans for a while and various odd jobs to earn some money to take back to his family in Chile. Richard visited Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and New York where he spent some time with Friar Johnpaul and his family. (See photos below). After the tragedy of Sept.11 and the failing health of his mother, Richard decided to put off his plans and return to take care of his mom. He daily cared for her needs and that of the household. Richard is the second oldest of four; two sisters;Jessica and Yovanca and a brother Yuri.

When she had returned to health, It was time to return to the US. But because Richards visa had expired while he was here, he was now not able to return for three years. We agreed to keep in touch. I had gotten a chance to visit him in Chile and meet his wonderful family and friends. Especially his friends Eduardo and Luis. I also met his niece and nephew; Romina(8) and Felipe (4) of whom he was so proud. In July of 2003, while I was on vacation, I received an email from Jessica, his sister, asking for prayers for Richard. Two weeks later, on July 18, I received an email from his brother Yuri that he had died of lung cancer. I was in shock. He found out only one month before, as he was having difficulty breathing and had a terrible cough. On the morning of July 18, 2003, with his family by his side, he read the above Psalm 91, closed the bible handed it to his mom, smiled at them and closed his eyes and stopped breathing. Yuri said it was as if an angel came and carried him to heaven.

Yes we die as we live. Richard was a man of great patience and peace. His heart was so warm and loving, especially for those in need. His macho Latino stubbornness could drive me crazy at times..but we Italians can be the same. Fr.Brian Walker,OP, and Fr.David Rodriquez OFM, dear friends, accompanied me to Chile for the memorial service. It was so beautiful and so painfully sad. I miss my friend very much and know that he enjoys the loving embrace of our God. Amigos para siempre. Vaya con DIos!

Johnpaul and Richard- Amigos para siempre

"Recuerda"
Recuerda, todavía estaré aquí Mientras me tengas en tu memoria
Recuerda, cuando tus sueños han terminado
El tiempo puede ser trascendido
Sólo recuérdame
Soy la única estrella que sigue ardiendo, tan intensamente, es la última luz de desteñirse en el sol naciente
Estoy contigo Cuando cuentes mi historia
Recuerda, todavía estaré aquí Mientras me tengas en tu memoria
Recuérdame
Soy la única voz en el viento frío, que murmura y si oyes, me oirás llamar através del cielo
Mientras pueda extender la mano, y tocarte jamás moriré
Recuerda, nunca te dejaré
Si sólo
Te acuerdas de mi Recuérdame....
Recuerda, todavía estaré aquí Mientras me tengas En tu memoria
Recuerda, cuando tus sueños han terminado El tiempo puede ser trascendido
Vivo para siempre
Recuérdame Recuérdame Acuérdate de mi

"Remember" by Josh Groban
Remember, I will still be here
As long as you hold me, in your memory
Remember, when your dreams have ended
Time can be transcended Just remember me
I am the one star that keeps burning, so brightly,
It is the last light, to fade into the rising sun
I'm with you Whenever you tell, my story
Remember, I will still be here As long as you hold me, in your memory
Remember me   I am the one voice in the cold wind, that whispers
And if you listen, you'll hear me call across the sky
As long as I still can reach out, and touch you Then I will never die
Remember, I'll never leave you If you will only Remember me   Remember me...
Remember, I will still be here As long as you hold me In your memory
Remember, when your dreams have ended Time can be transcended I live forever Remember me   Remember... me...