I remember when I first heard those terrible words that my Joey was gone, how devastated I felt. That was one of the worst moments of my life. Part of that conversation with the Bayonne Police included being told that they did not know where Joe's car was, at the time. A few days later, they called to say they found his car. It was a block away from where he had stayed, and it had been covered with cherry blossoms. What a sweet image that made for me. Ever since then, whenever I see falling cherry blossoms I think of him. As I shared this story with Erin this morning, she had tears in her eyes- she told me without ever knowing this story, that she has always loved cherry blossoms but never knew why. Now she does. Those little flowers help to create a peaceful place in my heart when I think of that terrible time. It was a beautiful way to let us know that he is at peace, in Heaven. 

I'll miss you forever, my Joey! Thinking of you this day and always.

Love,

Your Mickie

One of my favorite memories of Joe was from when we were little.  He was very protective of me,  and I was told that he didn't want me to learn how to walk because he was afraid that I would walk away.  (Joey was two years older than me).  He would push me down whenever I tried to get up!  I did try to run away when I was around four or five years old- I don't remember why- some injustice, I'm sure.  I even packed my pink and purple flowered suitcase, I was so serious!  He followed me and asked me where I was going.   I said I was getting a new house to live in.  He wanted to know where.  I said I was going to follow the creek or the train tracks until I found something better.  He told me he knew a great place where I could live, so I followed him around the block, and unbeknownst to me, he led me right back to our own house, from the back.  When I realized what he had done, I got mad and tried to get away but he picked me up and hauled me kicking and screaming back into the house.  

Joey was my hero and defender growing up.  He also taught me how to take care of myself by thoughtfully picking fights with me whenever the opportunity would arise!  No one has beaten me yet, Joe, thanks to you!  

He loved my Baby Erin, and was so proud of being her Uncle!  He called her Candy Bear and wanted to take her out in her stroller to the mall so he could "pick up chicks."  Needless to say, that never happened!  He had some funny ideas.  I have some great photos of him from her Christening day, and our last time together at Smedley Park- I am planning to post them as soon as I can get the scanner to work.  I would have loved to have heard his reaction to finding out that he was going to become an Uncle to Triplets, and then to have them born on HIS birthday, besides!  I know he pulled some heavenly strings to get that to happen, five weeks ahead of their due date!

Joey was a huge Flyers and Phillies fan- one of our best memories was going to see the Phillies World Series games in 1993- the one that went to 15 innings.  We had a great time, even though we lost the game- it was so special that we got to go.

More pictures of Joe will be posted.  I hope that you will share your special memories of him with us too.  Nine years is coming up, and I want very much to know that he is still loved and thought of,  even now.