John Aviles Ramos March 22, 1973 February 20, 2001

Well, life is strange sometimes. I had been wondering to whom I should dedicate my square.

Night before last, I had a dream about my friend, John Ramos. We met at church. At only 27 years, he has had so many physical challenges, I can't list them: encephalitis, AIDS, other stuff I don't know what it is. He has slowly gone downhill physically, but has fought like a hero for life and had such zest and such warmth and sweet spirit. In my dream, he was going into hospice, and this would be his last day on the earth. When I awoke, I realized I hadn't seen him for several weeks so I called his sister, and she said he had gone to hospice, and passed away not long after. She said he had his stubborn spirit to the end, finding a way to get valentines to his nurses, and teasing them the night before he died.

I will miss him. He was like a candle, shining light and life and joy from his wheelchair to all around him, even when he got feisty! I am glad the square I am doing has a candle on it.

Our church is the Cathedral of Hope, and the verse on the square is that Hope lights a candle in the darkest of desparing hearts. I think this will be so appropriate for John.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share, and remember him with me.

Katherine Heath
Dallas, Texas