Joe you were my first love. I remember the first day we met in the halls of Bethel Jr High. You were taller than everyone else. You were stylish at the time and you were wearing turquois dyed 501 levi's, a matching pastel plad shirt with light pink suspenders!! You approached me making fun of how short i was and nicknamed me "shorty". I made fun of you wearing pink suspenders and we were hooked. We started "going out" the beginning of my 7th grade year and we were off and on until i moved to Texas. You spent tons of time camping out on my couch at my house(i still have pictures), you called my mom, mom and she loved you as much as i did! At school you would show your cocky side but with me i always knew the loving heart you had inside. You showed me the sweet, soft side and we talked about the hard things happening in our lives at home. You always made me laugh! 

Years later you found me in Houston and you were single at the time and we were in our 20's. You told me you had always loved me and wanted to come get me from Texas and take me back to Washington! I was married and pregnant so i told you that i couldnt. But my heart loved you just as much and i wished that things were different. We both moved on and lost touch, but i have always thought of you and wished you happiness! I am happy that you found Vanessa and i will pray for her, your children and your family! My heart breaks for them and it breaks for you and the sadness you must have been feeling inside. This life can be soo hard at times and we dont understand it. I just pray that you are at peace in every way now and that we all see you again one day! Rest in peace Joe, you will be remembered forever. 

Love, Stacy (shorty)