Sunday, March 13, 2011

UNCLE JOE

THIS IS MY UNCLE JOE

HE PASSED AWAY ON FEBRUARY 24 AT THE AGE OF 53. 
HE WAS AMAZING. 


When Joe was born, doctors told my grandmother to just leave him at the hospital to die. She didn't. 

And Joe thrived.


Joe wasn't allowed to be taught in the public schools, so my grandmother started a school for him and for kids like him. 



My grandma is amazing. She raised 11 children - 9 girls and 2 boys. And she made sure Joe got every opportunity in this life.



Joe loved life. 


He loved swimming

Bowling (and he was darn good!)


and going on any sort of ride . . . 
he was very daring and could scream like the best of them.


He also loved singing


and playing his harmonica, recorder, or any other instrument he could get his hands on.


He loved John Wayne and Elvis Presley . . . a lot!!!



He gave the greatest hugs . . . hands down.



If you were lucky (Or just cousin Oliver), you'd get one of these hugs every time he saw you



And he always loved a good party. "Gweat Potty" he'd say.




He made friends with everyone he met. 
When Joe went out, no one was safe from his infectious grin and his warm handshake and inevitable hug.  He would say, "You my fwiend." "I like you." "You nice, pretty lady"


Joe had a deep love for his Savior. 
He radiated the love of Christ and showed all he knew what it felt like to be loved unconditionally.



Thank you for being so amazing.
WE MISS YOU JOE AND LOVE YOU!!

5 comments:

Wanda said...

Wow! Thanks for that beautiful post on you Uncle! I'm deeply touched! I'm glad that I wandered over here to look at something else on your blog! Thanks Whitney.... you never cease to amaze me!

Chooch said...

Bravo.

-Matt W

Kiersten said...

Those are great pictures of Joe, everyone will miss him!

steve said...

A wonderful tribute to a celestial friend who taught us all how to love. Our memory of him continues to teach us.

Thanks.

Amy and Dane said...

I just love Joe. He really was a great example and lived life to the fullest. He will be missed!