Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones as the Christmas holiday arrives. I know that you will be with all of your loved ones as they carry you in their hearts. You will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of them and protect them.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 23, 2009

Dearest Brother…Today…the feast day…of St. Michael the Archangel…protector and patron of police...is also your birthday…or should I say…our special day…since it was on this day…that you were gifted…to our family...by God.

You would have been…78 years young…if only…these forty-eight years…didn’t have to be. All the unanswered questions…still remain. The why’s and what if’s…

I say young…because even Dad…at that age…did not look his years…and knowing...how health conscious…you were…and how you appreciated…the importance of..being physically strong and fit...especially because…of the profession…you chose…I can’t imagine…that would have changed.

Your nephew…with whom you shared…your last…and his first…birthday…turns fifty today…and that memory…stills seems like yesterday…as I wish you a blessed…and peaceful birthday. I will receive communion today…for your intention…at the mass…that I requested…be offered…for the repose...of your soul.

Sal…you never disappointed…any of us. You were always…the source of pride…and joy…for Mom and Dad…Cookie and me. From the time…you were a baby…and a beautiful one…throughout your youth…and as a young adult man…you were everything…a parent could hope for…in a son. How very loved…you were…by our parents…and still are…by our family.

Why…the grief…the sorrow…the pain…of losing their only son…had to be...a part of their lives…and ours…I will never understand.

I continue to pray...that you…Mom and Dad…and my own Salvatore…are with each other…enjoying God’s promise…of peaceful…and…eternal rest.

I love you Sal…and I miss you. You were the best…and now…I know…just how much…Mom and Dad…suffered…after losing you.

Watch over our families…and hold my son close…until all of us…can be…together again.

God bless you Sal…you are not forgotten…as I hold you…in my heart…in my thoughts…in my memories…and in my prayers…always.

Anita

September 29, 2009

WELL SAL, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY, WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE WITH US, BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS,. IT'S ALSO THE BIRTHDAY OF THE ONLY NEPHEW YOU KNEW, I ONLY WISH HE HAD YOUR INTELLIGENCE IN DECIDING WHAT HE WANTED IN LIFE...BUT HE IS A GOOD GUY...IMAGINE 50 YEARS OLD..YOU WOULDN'T THINK TIME PASSED SO QUICKLY...BUT ACTUALLY IT DIDN'T. ALL THE FEELINGS OF THAT DAY SURFACE PERIODICALLY AND WE LIVE THE PAIN ALL OVER AGAIN...........YOUR ARE AT PEACE,AND THAT'S THE ONLY CONSOLATIN. LOVE YOU SO COOKIE

(cookie) marie arra
sister

September 28, 2009

I tried leaving a reflection earlier this month but it was not posted, evidently there was a problem with the site and a number of posts were never received. Hopefully, they have the problem solved. I just wanted to say that you have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones, especially your sister for I know she tries to watch over everyone by herself and could use some help. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 21, 2009

Just wanted to stop in and say that you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon: EOW: 8/8/04

July 20, 2009

Dearest Brother...Although I had gone to mass on the 6th...in remembrance of that tragic day...that left all of us broken-hearted...it was not a mass...that I was able...to have said for your intention. Today however...on this Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel...I was able...to have the 8:30 am mass...offered in your name...and so I attended...and received communion...for the repose of your soul.

In coming to this site...I read two reflections...that were left by people...that I do not know...but would like to thank...as I do appreciate their kindness...in remembering you...and our family...in their thoughts... and prayers. May God bless them...for their compassion.

Sal...you are never more...than a thought away...and always in my heart.

With my love...and prayers.

Anita

July 17, 2009

Anita,

Please know that Sal is never far from our thoughts and prayers, nor are you and the rest of the family. I have a big brother and cannot imagine life without him. He has been my rock in life, my mentor, my shoulder.

I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God wraps His loving arms around you and your family and give you only the best thoughts of Sal until you meet him in Heaven.

That you Sal for your service and sacrifice, you will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

July 11, 2009

To My Dear Brother...On this 48th Year Remembrance Day... of your very tragic loss...and mine...of the best big brother...that God could have blessed me with.

I love and miss you Sal...I carry you in my heart...in my thoughts...in my memories...and in my prayers...always.

I went to mass today...and received communion...for your intention...as I also asked you...to please watch over my family...as we continue to go forward...in your nephew's name. I pray you know...what is in my heart.

God Bless you Sal...you are not forgotten.

Anita

July 6, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Trooper Embarrato and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 6, 2009

ANNIVERSARY; SHOULD BE A HAPPY OCCASION,BUT,THIS PARTICULAR ONE ISN'T. IT'S A DAY THAT RECALLS HEARTACHE,SHOCK,AND ANGER. EVERY MINUTE OF THAT DAY PLAYS ITSELF OUT IN SLOWMOTION FOR ME. IT AFFECTED EVERYONE YOU EVER TOUCHED. MOM WAS NEVER THE SAME, ANITA CHANGED INTO THE MEMORY KEEPER OF ALL THAT WE HOLD DEAR ABOUT YOU, DAD HAD A LOT TAKEN OUT OF HIM. THE THING THAT I STILL CANT GET OVER IS THAT I WASN'T THERE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR FINAL TRIBUTE, FOR THE LONGEST TIME I HAD NO CLOSURE,(I THINK THAT'S THE WORD)IF YOU DIDN'T SEE IT, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. MAYBE IT WAS A NIGHTMARE, IT WASN'T REAL ETC. BUT IT DID HAPPEN AND LEFT ALL OF US WITH A HOLE IN OUR HEARTS. I THINK OF YOU SO MANY TIMES,WHEN A FACIAL EXPRESSION CROSSES THE FACE OF ONE OF OUR KIDS, THE QUIRKY SENSE OF HUMOR THAT YOU POSSESED COMES ACROSS IN SOMEONE, THE SMILE...MY HEART SINGS FOR THESE LITTLE MEMORIES..I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF RECOLLECTING SO MANY THINGS ABOUT YOU..I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU SO.

cookie
sister

July 6, 2009

another year on the horizon, when in reality, it was only yesterday that everything happened...since than so much has crossed our paths, some for good, and others heartwrenching. i think of the last time i saw you, in your grey suit, broad shoulders and solemn smile...that's my brother, if only the child i carry is just a little like him,but my wish did not come true, only mannerisms of yours ome thru my children,nothing else. sal watch and help them realize that things could still turn around, love and miss you,always, so many things remind me of you,and as i get older i feel i will soon see you again, if only for a minute, i would be happy. love cookie

cookie
sister

June 30, 2009

Dear Brother...This is being posted after the fact...because there were problems on the ODMP site..which caused my earlier submission...to be lost.

I had left...the original reflection for you...on May 13... during Police Week when the 21st Annual Candlelight Vigil...was taking place...at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial...in Washington, D.C.

Although I wasn't able to be there...that evening....I did light some candles at St. Raymond's...for you...for a Chicago police officer...and for my son. I also sent flowers...in your honor,,,to the Tarrytown memorial.

You are not forgotten Sal...our family and friends...treasure the memories.

Another memory...I would have loved...for you to be able to...share with us...are the most recent milestone ones. You have three...of your grandnieces...making us all very proud. In the next few days...there are graduations....one from High School...the other...from a Masters Program. The third...lettered in academics...for being on the principal's list...all four quarters...and got academic honors...in an Algebra II/Trig Honors Class...and in Biology. You would have been very proud of them...I know how much you valued education...and they are...very smart young ladies.

Keep close to my son...watch over our families...and know that...I love and miss you.

With my prayers...

Anita

May 27, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones as Police Memorial Day arrives on May 15th. Continue to watch over all of them, especially your sister is who is fighting the fight. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2009

Dear Sal...I am in a bit of a funk...maybe because...I am truly understanding...what Dad meant...when he use to say..."I'm sensitive"...as he half-kidded...about feeling "the hurt"…when it came to certain matters...as he got older.

Or maybe...it's the compilation...of all the unfortunate heartaches...through the years...that are stored...in our memories...and carried deep inside...that while they are...a part of life...for most everyone...they eventually...coupled with becoming wiser...catch up with us...and make us so aware…of how it all could have...and should have...turned out...if only timing...and a little bit of luck...were on one's side.

How differently...everyone's life...might have been..."if only"...that very first...”if only”…hadn’t happened…and that began…when we lost you. You were the one…who had the intelligence…insight…and ability…to be the “difference maker.” But…we all know…that God calls the good…and the best…first…and you were always both…so…our loss…of you…became Heaven’s gain.

Then again...we are told...that experiencing pain...and suffering...makes us...become more compassionate...caring and understanding...of others...and if we offer…and unite those trials of life...our crosses...with our Lord's Passion...then they are used...and have merit...as sacrifices...for the good...that will come from them. In truth...it would not have been my plan...but everything is in God's hands.

Maybe it is just the season...that we are in...Spring... rebirth...Easter time...missing family...knowing I need to be...hopeful...and that one day...we all will be together again…because Christ...triumphed over death.

Again I think of Dad...when he would say..."nothing lasts forever...in a hundred years...it will all be over." It is getting through...those first "hundred years" that is the heartbreak.

Please keep my son near...to you...and our family...and know that you are all...loved and held close...in my thoughts...my memories...and in my heart.

You were the best Brother...I thank God for you...and I cherish every memory of you.

Keep watching over all of us...as we face what is yet to come.

May God bless you...as I keep you in my prayers...always.

Anita

April 15, 2009

Dearest Brother...

Yesterday was a tough day for me...I don't know how Mom managed to endure all the years without you.

Hug my son for me...I miss...and...love...each of you.

You are always in my prayers.

Anita

January 25, 2009

Dear Brother...2009...it is now 47 years and 6 months...as a new year has begun.

I pray for you daily...you are always in my heart...and just a thought away...in treasured memories.

Rest peacefully Sal...you are loved...and remembered always.

Anita

January 1, 2009

My Dear Brother...I'm a day late...in wishing You...Mom... and...Dad...a Blessed Christmas.

I pray...that all of you...are together...and resting peacefully...in the company of my son.

You are all...loved and missed. I carry each of you...in my heart...thoughts...memories...and...prayers...till we can be together again.

May God bless you Sal...for being a very caring brother... and loving son. Help guide us through...all that we are coping with.

With my prayers...

Anita

December 26, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during this holiday season. I know it is especially hard this time of the year for all of your loved ones. I have decorated the outside of our home in all blue lights and one of those lights burns brightly in your honor. You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 3, 2008

Thinking of you and your family this Veterans Day.

Bob & Carol Gordon
Parents of Michael Gordon/Chgo PD

November 11, 2008

Dear Sal...On this Veterans Day...in appreciation...and in prayer...I am remembering you...for your service...in the Army...as well as...all the men and women...in the military...who have honorably...served our country...in both wartime...and peacetime.

God Bless you...and each of them.

With my love...

Anita

November 11, 2008

Dearest Brother...Just want you to know...that you are...being remembered...along with our family...in the All Souls Day novena...that is being offered...from today... Nov. 2 through...Nov. the 10th.

I miss you Sal...you were the best.

All my love and prayers.

Anita

November 2, 2008

Dear Sal...Today...Saturday...November 1...is...All Saints Day...a Holy Day...of Obligation. I don’t know why...but in our United States...and some other countries...the bishops...have received permission...from the Vatican...to temporarily waive...the obligation...for us Catholics... to attend Mass...on certain...of these...Holy Days of Obligation...when they fall...on either...a Saturday or Monday. So...although today...was not a mandatory day...to attend mass...I did...in Dad’s memory...because it is...his birthday.

It seems...everything is changing...and not for the better. Tried...true...and proven...doesn’t matter anymore. It is not...on so many levels...the world...that you knew. It isn’t even...the same world...in which...I raised...my children.

I hope you...our parents...and my son...are together...in a better world.

I love...and miss...each of you. Kiss Dad for me. I carry all of you...in my heart...my thoughts...and in...precious memories.

With my prayers.

Anita

November 1, 2008

thinking of you today as many other days

looking at the picture of you and my son with whom you share a birthday,and believe me, nothing else...he is
nothing like you...perhaps you would have made a difference
in his life as you did in ours. love you cookie

cookie
sister

September 29, 2008

My Dear Brother...Today...would have been...your 77th birthday...and cousins...you grew up with...and even those...born several years...before you...are fortunately still with us...actively participating...in their families lives. How wonderful it could have been...if you would have had...that same opportunity.

That tiny nephew...the only one...you got to know about... who shared...his first birthday with you...on what was to be your last...is forty-nine today. How could all these years have passed...when thinking of you...brings the same heartache...as though what happened...was only seconds ago.

I pray that You...Mom...Dad...and my Salvatore...are together...at peace...knowing how much...each of you is loved...missed...and thought about...as I carry...all of you...close...in my memories...and in my heart.

I will be at Mass...in the morning...my birthday gift to you...receiving communion...for your intention. You will always remain...my loving...and wonderful big brother.

Sal...please watch over...all of your nephews...and nieces.

With my love...and prayers...always.

Anita

September 28, 2008

Wanted to stop in to let you know that I was thinking about you and your sister tonight. Continue to watch over everyone one and help her with her fight for justice. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 2, 2008