I just wanted to take a moment to share a couple things with my amazing blog community, as many people have asked similar questions and I haven't had quite the chance to reply to really anything, I'm sure you understand. I do, however, get and read each comment on my phone, so your thoughts and prayers are making it to me and I appreciate each and every one of them and thank you all so much.
Anyway, the information sharing.
Many people have asked funeral details as they want to pay their respects. So far we have only a piece scheduled, the actual funeral will be scheduled later on today, but the viewing is set as follows:
Visitation Period for
Cpl Jonathan D. Porto
Tuesday 23 March
1700-2000
Anderson-McQueen Family Tribute Center
N.E. Location
2201 Dr. MLK St. North
St. Petersburg FL
Cpl Jonathan D. Porto
Tuesday 23 March
1700-2000
Anderson-McQueen Family Tribute Center
N.E. Location
2201 Dr. MLK St. North
St. Petersburg FL
I include this information as I know many people, Marines and fellow service members especially, have asked when/if they may pay their respects to my beloved.
I remind those of you in blogosphere and other interweb destinations that this a respectable family event to grieve the loss of someone that meant the world to me and many, many people. So, if you have a point to make on the war or any political view for that matter, this is not the place to do it. Have some respect.
Also people have asked if they can send things. My mom made a great point; Jonny is a Marine, not a flower girl, so we are not really asking for flowers to be donated. In lieu of flower donations, we know Jonny would want more than anything to know his daughter is well taken care of. So for those of you asking, a trust fund has been set up for Ariana.
Donations can be sent to
Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union
ATTN: Collean McKinney for the account of Ariana Ralyn Porto
P.O. Box 1176
Aberdeen, MD 21001
all checks should be made payable to Ariana Ralyn PortoATTN: Collean McKinney for the account of Ariana Ralyn Porto
P.O. Box 1176
Aberdeen, MD 21001
Funeral arrangements have not been finalized yet and there are still some other details to be worked out and I will do my best to keep you all updated.
Once again thank you for the incredible out pouring of love, thoughts, and prayers.
Semper Fi,
Have not stopped thinking about you and your family. Continuing to keep you in prayers. May God give each of you comfort and my you feel HIM like never before in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
ReplyDeleteAgain I am so sorry for your loss and I send all my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I just found out about this on fb from Maggies profile. I am soooooooo soooooooo sorry for your loss!!! Please let me know if there is anything, anything at all you need.... <3 <3 <3 you!!!
ReplyDeleteI really wish we could be there with you, or for you.
ReplyDeleteI have to say you've handled this with amazing grace. Its an honor to be your friend.
I have only just come across your blog for the first time this morning-just before this post, directed here by Jersey Girl (via another Blog I read regularly).
ReplyDeleteI am a complete stranger, I know (in anyone a complete stranger on the internet?...) but I just wanted to send my condolences to you.
Your husband sounds like a wonderful human being and your descriptions of him and your life with him really brought true love to life. I am not a sentimental person by nature; I teach fiction (currently teaching war stories, as it happens, as I think it is important for all of us to know what this aspect of experience is like, even if we can't experience it first hand ourselves)...
Anyway, I have read some great literature, but really, very little of it can be said to exceed the truth and honesty of your feelings for Mr. P.
I am truly sorry to have "met" you and him under such sad circumstances, but I am grateful to have read your account of this wonderful life.
There are no words that I nor anyone can find to that will help you and Ariana through this incredibly, unfathomably difficult time. But my prayers and best wishes are with you. Lizzie.
One foot in front or the other is all you can do. If you need to stop for a few than do so. No one but you knows at which the speed you can do this.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with you and your family on these tough days ahead.
I will be sending little Ariana a check soon. You are still in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI love you. ~Maggie
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower. I found your blog through a tweet. I just wanted you to know I am praying you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAshley from Arkansas
You are truly an amazing and inspirational woman! Keep doing what you are doing and your daughter will grow up to be just like you.
ReplyDeleteyou and your precious daughter have been in my prayers since i read your last post!
ReplyDeletei pray that you will experience God's peace during this very difficult time.
I'm very sorry that this has happened, it broke my heart when Damon told me what happened. I'd Love to go to pay my respects but I'm afraid I can't make it. We only met a couple of times but I consider you a friend, you took me right in as a marine core wife as well. If you ever need anything or would like to get out just to go some where let me know I am always here. You have my phone number I'm sure & if not you can contact me on facebook or my blogger at anytime. I'm praying for you all & know you'll make it through this hard time.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteBrandi
Rachel, I am simply amazed at how strong you are being throughout this incredibly difficult time. You're such an amazing woman. ♥
ReplyDeleteArianna,
ReplyDeleteMay God Bless you and keep you safe. When you are ready, please reach out to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement foundation. They provide college scholarships to the children of every fallen Marine in the form of 20K bonds. Ariana will certainly qualify.
Here is their link: http://www.mc-lef.org/
And from their website:
"We are reminded that freedom is not free. The price is great. No one knows that better than the left-behind sons and daughters of America’s fallen heroes.Through the continuous support of our donors, we have distributed aid with a value of more than $40,000,000.00 to eligible children. This assistance was primarily rendered to children of Marines or Federal law enforcement personnel who were killed on duty or died under extraordinary circumstances while serving our country at home or abroad. These funds enable us to provide these children with scholarships for their higher education. "
I found your page through twitter. I want to let you know that an Army wife in Puerto Rico is keeping you and your daughter in her prayers. I know time will be the best medicine but while time passes and heal your wounds keep always in mind that we don't die, we only change address. He's close to you and your child and will always be there. Just a thought away.
ReplyDeletehttp://latinusarmywife.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for this information! Still praying for you, girl. You are not alone.
ReplyDeleteThrough all of this you sound so strong. I read your blog yesterday and it is all I have been able to think about. It hits home with me. Just know that you are in my prayers. Your husband is a true hero.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info! Stay Strong and you and Ariana are in all of our thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for quite some time. I am a Marine wife also with two young daughters and a deployed husband. I can't even put into words how sorry I am for your loss. I think of you and Ariana often and think you are amazing for your courage and faith. We are actually stationed in Tampa right now and I would like to attend the service but thought I would check with you first. (not sure if you want your blogger friends there) You can email me at LindseyM764@aol.com. Looking forward to hearing from you but I understand you are busy right now. Again, I am so sorry.
ReplyDelete-Lindsey
My God give you and your family strength and peace. You, your husband and child are in my prayers. I wish I could thank you and your brave husband for your sacrifice for the rest of us.
ReplyDelete-Mike
I can't imagine what you're going through right now. My husband is in Afghanistan right now and I know the amount of respect and admiration for his fellow Marines is overwhelming. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you keep writing so everyone can see the courage and strength of a real, true Marine wife.
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. P -
ReplyDeleteD, I and many other have been thinking about and praying for you and Ariana this past week more than you know. I actually just got off the phone with him and we are both grieving for you guys.
Email me and I'll tell you how D is connected to John - hnl6@case.edu, I don't want to post b/c of OPSEC.
I wish I could elevate some of the pain for you, I can't begin to even comprehend what you are going through right now.
Best wishes,
Heather
Still praying for you & your daughter...I wish I could pay my greatest respects to you & your husband. Tons of love & support your way...God Bless you all!
ReplyDelete"Live by faith...one step at a time..."
This is heartbreaking news to hear. I'm truly sorry for your loss. My husband just left Thursday for his 4th deployment, and I read this Friday. I don't know how you feel but it breaks my heart to read this. Good luck with everything, your family is in my Prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing, dearie. Updating blog friends would be the last thing on my mind were I in your shoes. I admire your courage and strength, and I'm thinking of you constantly. A whole community of mil spouses is mourning with you, and sending love and whatever support we can give through simple words of condolence.
ReplyDeleteI had a thought, yesterday. I doubt you want to think about it now, but I read from several girls that they had socks collected and waiting by the door. I can't imagine a better way for us to honor your Jonny than to continue Semper Feet and send socks to the men in his unit. I don't know how we'd organize this, but if you'd like, we can. No need for a response right now, but let me know in time and I'd love to help out if that's something you'd like for us to do.
My thoughts are with you at this time, I hope our words can help ease a small amount of the pain you are going through. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you posted. Since your last post, I've seen nothing but support and love for you through the blogs I read. I've definately been thinking about you and your family, and you're in my prayers.
ReplyDeletePrayers from Oklahoma for you and her daughter. I am so very sorry! Please know you are in several people's thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and lil Ariana during this difficult time. You are an amazingly strong woman!! Sending love your way :)
ReplyDeleteAlso...here is a link to the Tampa Bay Channel 8 news homepage where they featured an article on your husband via my request. This is the guest book with an outpouring of support.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=4411072184940
I am so relieved to hear that you are getting such a huge amount of support. You and your family deserve the best and I think it is an amazing idea to set up a trust fund for your daughter, because that is actually worthwhile. I hope the services and viewing are respected as they should be.
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through right now. We are in the process of starting my husband's 1st deployment next month and it scares me to death. But an Army wife's life. I wanted to let you know that you and your little girl are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband :(
ReplyDeleteIs there a foundation or anything we can donate money to? I see the address to the Credit Union, but was he a fan of any organizations??
ReplyDeleteBIG HUGS...
I know how hard this is, it wasn't my spouse but my best friend passed away two weeks ago .. and we still dont know from what.
Thinking of you and your family!
♥
I have prayed for you everyday like I have never prayed before. I am so sorry, I wish I "knew" you so I could hug your neck, hold you while you weep and cook/clean for you, because all of those things I would need and want if I were in your shoes. I am so so sorry!
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray and I hope that you feel those prayers!
please know that you and your little girl are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the information. I wish I'd be able to attend to support you, but I do plan to send a donation for Ariana soon.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you. I've started 3-4 emails to you, only to not know what to say. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
hey sweetie , im happy your holding your stuff together! Ft sill is keeping you and your fam in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteim commented on the last post and i linked up again to see how youre doing.
<3
stay strong
I am so so sorry and I think of you, your baby and your sweet husband often. All my prayers during this devastating time.
ReplyDelete(((HUGS))) to you. I am so sorry
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts nearly constantly the last few days. I continue to send prayers for you and your family. I am so heartened by our wonderful blogging community, both military and civilian, and I can only hope that everyone's online support is bringing you a little bit of comfort. Stay strong.
ReplyDeletePosted about you...praying for you constantly. My hubby leaves this week (again) and I just know the fear...but I don't know the reality you deal with. Moment by moment is the truth. It is the only way to do it.
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of sounding cliche...
"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:7
Prayers to you and sweet Ariana.
Know that our prayers are still with you and your beautiful daughter. Knowing there are no words of comfort now, but that when all settles down, we will still be here for you for whatever you need.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but I have been following your blog for a while. My husband is also a Marine. I can't imagine your pain, but from what I have read Jonathan was a wonderful husband and father. I know words aren't enough, but I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. P;
ReplyDeleteI have cried so hard for you over the past few days. I have shed tears for you, your daughter that will never know how much her father was a HERO to our country and to the families that have lost a military person.
When things settle down please contact me at my email oldgreenbmsn(dot)com so that I may donate to Semper Feet!
I truly dont know how you are holding it together, but please know that you have a lot of support here in the internet world!!
I hope that in time you will be able to find peace and understanding within this time of sorrow! I pray that God wrap his hands around, your daughter and family in this time of need!
My thougts are with you today, tomorrow and forever in the future.
Leeann
I only just came across your blog recently and I am so sorry it has come to heartbreak so quickly. Your husband sounds like an amazing man and the story here of your love is a wonderful one. You, your husband, and your beautiful baby are all in my prayers. God Bless hun.
ReplyDeleteThis story has haunted me. I have followed your blog & then read about it on TBO.
ReplyDeletePlease know that you have many praying for you, your daughter and family.
Mrs. P
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. I have tried all weekend to come up with words to say to you. I want to tell you how honored I am to have your husband sacrifice so much for our great country. It seems so pointless to say that - I know right now you don't care. Please know that your sacrifice is no smaller than his. Your hurt is felt the world over. Let us share this burden with you. Please feel the love and support from people that you have never met, and people that you will never meet. I don't know how you feel. I know that you don't feel or see the people on there knees right now lifting you up to our Father.
I'm sorry, that's all I could come up with this weekend. I'm so very sorry, I will always remember you in my prayers. I will keep you close to my heart over the next several weeks and months, praying faithfully that your pain will heal, and you will find peace again.
Please contact me so that I may contribute to Semper Feet.
My prayers are with you - may you find comfort and peace in our Father!
my heart breaks for you. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet baby girl.
ReplyDeleteI just started blogging, and my friend told me about your blog. I enjoy reading it, and today is the first day I really looked across anything I follow. I am a military wife also, and I know you are living every spouse's worst nightmare. I wish there was something I could do or say, but I know nothing will be able to ease your pain right now. My heart goes out to you! You are very strong, and from what I have read you and your husband loved each other very much. Just know that that love isn't gone and it can carry you through anything, along with God's healing hand. Hang in there, I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Mr. P, Ariana and you! You all are in our thoughts and prayers in Maryland. Semper Fi...and peace be with you throughout your journey.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I came across your blog today and it made me so sad. You can tell by just reading this blog that you were very much in love. First let me say that I am truly sorry for your loss. I want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteBe proud of your husband and know that he loves you. Tell the baby all the good her father did. Let her know that he was a hero and in the eyes of many he will always be. Keep him alive with all the memories that you have.
Most important is that you will be together soon. He will be the handsome man at the end of the light holding his arms out to embrace you. You just have to continue on with life until it is your time. May god bless you and your family in this tough time. You have the whole world thinking about u and hoping that your grief will get better with time.
so beautifully written,
ReplyDeleteand still in the face of such tremendous emotion, your grace...
i haven't stopped thinking of you, your husband, your daughter-
from one army wife, to one marine wife,
we are united.
my prayers are with you.
Much love to you and the family. Of course, I"d be happy to send something to Ariana's fund.
ReplyDeleteWe just found out from the AppraisersFreeForum that your husband has been killed while on duty. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you, your baby girl and whole family at this time.
ReplyDeleteAnnemieke Roell and Greg Goodpasture
Oklahoma
My heart is broken for you.
ReplyDeleteWe're over in St. Petersburg, and if you ever need anything PLEASE let me know.
Mrs. P.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you today as you are doing the hardest thing yet in one'e life. You are beautiful; I cry for you and Ariana each day. May you know that Jonny is with God and he is your Guardian Angel now and forever more.
I have planted the seed about Semper Feet, Operation Dry Sock with my Military friends up here and told them about your loss--- they are ALL on BOARD! This weekend we are making drop off boxes to be put at various locations and at one of the Military Offices (location right now with held).....we can discuss details privately as far as the needs and type of socks, etc.
Hold your daughter close today, and feel her love- its YOUR love with Jonny coming through her heart!!
Tears, Hugs, and Comforting Thoughts.....
Leeann Marshall (oldgreenb at msn com)
COME to his assistance, All you Saints of God! Meet him, you Angels of the Lord. Receive his soul, and present it to the Most High. May Christ who called you, receive you; and may the Angels lead you into the bosom of Abraham. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteInto your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brother. In this life you embraced him with your tender love; deliver him now from every evil and bid him enter eternal rest.
The old order has passed away: welcome him then into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
Mother Mary, protect this mother and her precious child. Bring them comfort and peace.
Amen.
Thank you for posting this. I was hoping you would set something up so we could help that beautiful baby. I wish I could be there to pay my respects, but know that my household will be holding a moment of silence, along with my bible study group too. I know it's not much, but it's the least we can do for your hero.
ReplyDeleteYou are all still in my thoughts and prayers every day. I will be sending money her way, I know there is no price tag on her daddy’s life, but she deserves to be taken care of.
My prayers and thoughts go out to you, i cant even begin to imagine how you feel :(
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine *hugs*
ReplyDeleteRachel, I don't know you nor have I ever read your blog but I saw the post regarding your husband's passing mentioned on another milspouse blog and just cried. My heart goes out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI think about you often. I am a new follower to your blog , became aware of it via Soldiers' Angels and the SA team I am on, Operation TopKnot. Please check us out on FB and/or the official Soldiers' Angels website and let us know if we can help you in anyway. I am one of the lucky ones so I can't even begin to imagine your pain. Please know there are angels on earth here to help you every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteI am so terribly sorry for your loss! I don't even know what to say:( I've been thinking about you and your little one a lot ever since I read about this tragedy. I've been keeping you in my prayers. I just want to let you know that my husband is in the military too. We live in South Tampa. If you need ANYTHING, please do not hesitate to call me! My cell phone is 502 526 24 57 Irena
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and Ariana!