One ordinary day in August ’92, a young man full of dreams appeared at the newsroom of The Brasilians Journal in New York, asking me to photograph the Brazilian Day, which that year would take a historic turn by featuring singer Lulu Santos performing in the middle of the street, right in the heart of Manhattan.
The idea came from Chico de Matos, something until then unprecedented and why not say bold and courageous?
It was a success!!!
But, returning to the story in focus, speaking of the opportunity for our character, (João Carlos Volotão), at the time I admired the courage and determination of the young man who was willing to do something valuable and kind.
He showed me at the time a wallet of the many that are issued throughout Brazil talking about his credentials, and 
feats throughout his life. I didn’t pay much attention to it and told him: “Come then and make it beautiful!!! Make it happen!!!”
On the day of the event, he appeared all cheerful, happy, and smiling, with his camera, freshly bought at BH Photos, already on stage, mingling with the special guests.
In one of those twists of fate, like a good Cancerian, he won the favor of Sonia Braga and from then on he became the photographer of celebrities.
With The Brasilians Newspaper, he was there for a few years, receiving some reprimands, until he was hired by “Revista Quem” to follow celebrities in New York and many other jobs that came his way.
I think he followed my advice well: Make it happen!!!
Today, he leaves us filled with longing and sorrow.
I hope he continues on his path of light in peace!!!
At the moment, I’m listening to “One Less Bell to Answer” by Burt Bacharach, which expresses exactly this feeling of loss in a poetic way regarding the departure of someone who has been part of our lives in one way or another.
I would sadly say …”One less friend that is going forever…”
Edilberto Mendes
Journalist