As most already know this has been the absolute hardest and trying of times for myself, my daughter, and our family. My wife and life long companion Raquel Colucci who is the love of my life and mother to my child was tragically taken from us way too early. At 43 years young she suffered a type of stroke known as a cerebral hemorrhage (brain bleed) on Saturday March 5th while on a spontaneous trip in Las Vegas. It was a sudden rapid onset that was deep within the center of her brain and there was nothing that could be done due to the severity and location. For several years she has been getting random severe headaches yet nothing abnormal was found until now. My biggest fear came true. I was alone with her for the first few terrifying hours. Fortunately our daughter Melody was able to immediately jump on a plane to be at her side. Thankfully her sister Rita, two of my brothers, her mom and my dad were able to come and offer support in dealing with this tragedy. Melody also had a close friend in town nearby which was extremely helpful. She was officially pronounced on March 9th at 16:47. I greatly appreciate the respect for our privacy as requested and the love given from all of our friends and family while we helped Raquel fulfill her final wish. She offered the greatest gifts and act of selflessness imaginable. Her legacy will live on as a hero and inspiration and I will make sure the world knows her heart. The organ donation process was far beyond difficult and taxing, lasting over a week. This was Immensely draining on everyone as we were not prepared. There were many hiccups in communication adding to the stress. In the end Raquel's generous gifts saved and improved countless lives including helping a blind victim see again! I will share the details in the future when we understand the full effect of her good deed. These actions bring relief, hope and joy to so many families and will have such an amazing ripple effect.

Today is my first day alone since the incident 3/16/2022. It is difficult but I am managing somehow. I am watching videos of her, viewing pictures and listening to our favorite playlist as I write this trying to reflect on the silver lining.
Although our time together was cut short we faced our fears, took major risks, loved hard and truly lived. We went through many tough times but together we triumphed which made the good times even sweeter. So many wonderful memories. I know for sure we were destined soul mates. I am glad to know I had such an impact on her life. I will forever cherish our time together and honor her spirit. It does not end here. Her legacy will be shared to as many as possible in hopes to inspire others to step up and consider organ donation. At the very least be inspired to take actions to just keep LIVIN! I want her story and heart known to the world. She really is the best of the best.

For those who don't know her well, Raquel was the opposite of me being more shy and reserved. The most humble and authentic person I have ever met. Those lucky enough to experience her love and personality know how amazing of a person she is. Literally one of a kind. We met at age 15 and I was blessed to be at her side for 24 years on this wild ride of life. I will forever miss her aura, gorgeous face, generous heart and perfect soul. Her beautiful and memorable smile. Her extremely selfless and caring acts of kindness. Her taste in music. We shared the same dorky, fun sense of humor with years upon years of inside jokes. Her unique laugh and that cute cracky voice which I fell in love with. We knew each other's souls inside and out and helped each other through the darkest of times. Her love and compassion for animals was immeasurable and I hope to find a way to honor that in her name somehow in the future.

We were fortunate to find each other and have such a deep connection. Still madly in love 24 years after our first kiss under the fireworks in Antioch, IL. Our love for each other runs to unimaginable depths. The amount of love and kindness that she radiated was inspirational and contagious. Don't get me wrong. She would immediately put someone in their place if they messed with anyone she held in her heart and would be fierce about it. When the universe allowed her to let loose she was an absolutely firecracker! Simply a super amazing person all around, loved and adored by so many. She was so perfect for me and I can always count on her to reel me in as she was the only person who can actually tame me. Myself and our daughter were always her top priority. Countless acts of selflessness, sacrifice and support to ensure we had the best lives possible. She did such a wonderful job raising our amazing daughter and remained humble to her accomplishments. I will brag for her because the world needs to know. Melody was met with and overcame many challenges the universe presented her. Despite this and with the help of Raquels diligent efforts the kid is absolutely thriving. She received a score on her ACT of 35! For those who don't know, that is one away from a perfect score. She was accepted into her first choice, one of the best rated schools in this country. Barrett the Honors College at ASU! Melody is already making history being a founder of the officially recognised Neurodiverse Devils! The group was able to secure funding through the university to help grow membership to 100 students in its first year. She continues to excel and kick ass despite the many challenges she faces on the daily. Double majoring in Sustainability and Geography with a minor in Spanish. She is absolutely crushing it and just getting started! She is obviously destined to do great things and help change the world for the better. She promised Raquel to reach her full untapped potential and I will be behind her every step of the way to ensure that happens. In addition Melody is beyond driven, creative, strong, armed with her mothers looks, kindness, compassion and sense of humor. She will be an unstoppable force. Raquel recently got the chance to witness Melody perform a solo duet on stage at ASU where she sang and played guitar simultaneously for the first time in front of people to a crowd over 200 people during her choir concert. She was so proud!

While we know Raquel has physically departed, we have already experienced many signs she is with and part of us. She will guide us to carry on. We will honor her memory and make sure as many people as possible are touched by her soul and inspired to spread love, kindness and compassion as she did. The attributes needed most in the world these days. Raquel is a perfect shining example and role model as to what a good natured person is which she portrayed through actions instead of words.

Raquel's Celebration of life will be held July 30th in Chicago, IL. We are not into traditional memorial services but we have a unique idea we will implement and many will be involved if they choose to partake. Details will be posted soon.

Please hold your loved ones tight. Raquel Colucci we love and miss you so much, may you rest in peace.

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