My uncle joe has been a part of my life since i was born. My grand mother died when i was a month old so my mom and dad took him in. My mom was so attached to her mother that she still says that she knows God waited to take her mom til i was born & settled in, so that she'd be ready to let go and it wouldn't be so hard but i think that between me & joe, WE were what kept her busy together. Joe was born with so many conditions, he was estimated to live til about 12 years old and here he is. He turned 48 this last july. I like to think me & james are what kept him going... we prolonged his life by keeping him so active and on the top of his game. (Those who know us well, know what i mean) ((and kimo did his part too)) I feel so grateful that i was able to have joe in my life, i have learned so much from him and it has made me a better person. He taught me how to love, unconditionally, he loves everyone. And i mean everyone. He taught me how to forgive..........and forget. He taught me not to care what other people think, it doesn't matter, when it was me and him, even in a crowded place, it was only us. He taught me how to be a child, it's not how old you are, it's how old you feel. I still like coloring, and i like to think he has a part of that, i loved to color with him, he taught me it's ok to color the sky green and the people blue, it's whatever you feel. He taught me to be strong. He has never cried one day in his life, and i mean never. He taught me to be patient. Throughout my life there were times i had to wait on him, especially these last few years when i've cared for him and tended his needs. It's one thing to do things because you have to and it's another to do them with patience and love in your heart, Sometimes we take for granted the things we do each day. Joe loved riding his bike, sometimes a little too much, but only when he'd gone too far and we couldn't find him. Since he's gotten really sick, he can barely walk. He loved getting up in the morning, getting dressed & ready for school, 'wetting' and combing his hair (and if you know joe, you know what i mean by 'wetting'), making his breakfast and packing his lunch for school, making his coffee, and heading out to the bus. He didn't need to be told what to do, he just did it. He loves animals, all kinds of animals. We've had dogs, cats, hamsters, a guinea pig,a rooster, fish, birds, and i think that's it. He's crazy about pets. And we can't forget the guitar, he loves his guitar. He'd play from sun up to sun down if you let him, and he'd sing too. English and spanish. Sometimes i think he played just for the chicks, joe loved the ladies. He was a little ladies man at school, it was so cute. And he always talked about getting married but always said he wan't old enough. He wanted sons, no daughters, just sons. Maybe it's a guy thing. And his favorite dish was spaghetti (and again, if you know joe, you know what i'm talking about). Joe loved church, he was so social, we'd walk in and people that i'd never seen would say, "Hi joe!". He was such a positive example to my life.
My mom called yesterday to inform me about joe's health. It seems he won't be with us much longer. It's breaking my heart. I can't seem to get myself to stop crying, for so many reasons. I think a part of me always thought he'd get better and get back to normal. It must be the same part of me that still believes in santa (i can't believe i just shared that). I just keep remiding myself how happy he will be when he gets to see grandma. I hope he is proud of me and maybe he will tell her what a beautiful young lady i have become, and what a wonderful man i've married. Joe loves babies, well, children in general. I wish he could stay long enough to know my kids someday but i will never forget to share stories, pictures, and videos of their uncle joe so they will know how wonderful and crazy he is. Not a day goes by that i don't say something, or remember something, or tell ryan a story about joe. I don't know how my life will change when he is no longer here, but i hope he will always be with me. I feel like a part of my heart is changing, it's not leaving or becoming empty, it's just changing. I love joe with every part of my being. I know that he is going to a better place. It's hard, i won't lie about that, but i know his time here on earth is almost over and i'm grateful for all the gifts he's given to me while he's been here. I hope i can share them with others so that they may continue to brighten this earth we live on. "Si alguien te pregunta, como estas, como estas, como estas, Si alguien te pregunta como estas, como estas, como estas...Bendecido, muy bendecido, bendecido porque cristo me salvo, Bendecido, muy bendecido, bendecido porque cristo me salvo. (one of joe's favorite songs) P.S. I hope anna calls me joejorin forever.
