Here is my Joe story...

After Sheldon and I had been dating for a few months, (not yet living together), he was diagnosed with diabetes and decided to move back to Joe’s house – where he knew he would be safe.  Joe did his magic, made a phone call and this incredible group of men showed up and moved all of Sheldon’s belongings and furniture into Joe’s.

When all was said and done, Joe sat with us in Sheldon’s room.  Sometimes Joe called me Lori, other times, Lolly. He said, “Lolly, do you like puppy dogs?” I said, “Sure Joe, I like dogs.”  He said, “Oh good, cuz I have this cute little Chihuahua named Max that I’d like you to meet.”

As Joe walked through the house calling Max to come upstairs; Sheldon had a look of sheer terror on his face. Before I could ask, this 300 pound, 5 foot tall German Sheppard came bounding in the room crashing into everything.  Joe came in laughing his butt off and asked, “Do you like my Chihuahua Lolly!?”

We sat and chatted for a while – well, Joe talked, we listened.  I was memorized by his every word.  His stories were beautiful, funny, inspiring, and always contained a life lesson.  I wished I could have each story recorded – I’d never tire of hearing them.  Sheldon on the other hand – who had already had the gift of hearing these stories repeatedly, started to head out of the room. I said, “Babe where are you going? Don’t you want to hear what Joe’s saying…he is amazing!” Sheldon said, “Don’t you worry Babe, I’ve heard it all before and you will definitely hear it again!” Every story Joe retold was always just as entertaining as the first time he told it!

During mine and Sheldon’s first year together, Joe was my security blanket.  Every time Sheldon did something wrong or didn’t do something he should have, I’d write to Joe and ask for help.  Joe told me, “Lori, the emails are kind of hard for me, school was not my thing, instead of writing, call me.”  Anyone who has enjoyed Joe’s daily posts knows he is an amazing writer and vastly intelligent.  He had no problem reading my emails – he was helping me to grow.  He helped me find my voice and taught me how to use it.  Every time I called to say, “Joe, please – fix Sheldon!”  He fixed me too.  He taught me so much with his words and I soaked them all in.  Every conversation with Joe was truly a gift.

As I began to mature, I used my words to communicate with Sheldon directly. We got stronger as a couple.  However, we had a huge fight – it was the make it or break it kind.  Because I love Sheldon immensely, and diabetes was new and overwhelming to him, I had been preparing all of his meals – ensuring they were nutritionally balanced and full of healthy stuff. 

This time, when Sheldon and I were struggling, Joe called me.  He said, “Lori, are you and Sheldon fighting?” I said, “Yah Joe, it’s pretty bad.” Joe replied, “I knew it! I caught him sneaking up the stairs with a bag of food from McDonalds!”

Joe told me not to worry, he knew Sheldon and I would be alright.  As always, Joe knew what he was talking about and in August 2012, (after fixing both of us), he performed our wedding.

Joe gave our daughter her first motorcycle ride. He taught my son how to make a rubber band gun out of his fingers. He taught both the kids how to shoot a BB-gun. We loved going to Hampton Beach to see Uncle Joe play with his Band.  Backyard BBQs at our house, visits to his. No matter where or when, or what we did, it was always a great time.  Joe was an incredible Sponsor for Sheldon, but that’s Sheldon’s story to share.  I will always be grateful that Joe made it a point to share Sheldon’s NA / AA anniversaries with us.  Joe even came back from Florida, Canada, and Italy in time to celebrate with Sheldon.

There really are no words that can truly describe Joe – one-of-a-kind, legend in his own time, larger than life, an angel walking among us – are a few expressions that seem to come close.  There’s a HUGE void here on earth, but Heaven sure just got a lot fuller with Joe’s awesome presence.  I’m sure he has God, Jesus, the Angels and all those in Heaven laughing, listening to his stories, riding motorcycles and dancing as Joe jams with that great band in the sky.  Watch for the signs, he will always be with us and now we are each blessed with the biggest, coolest Guardian Angel of all – Crazy Joe.