On Wednesday, November 13, our Joe would have been 30 years old. There would have been lots of jokes and teasing about his age. I remember when he turned 25. It was a pretty big deal to him. He was my Peter Pan….never wanted to get old. I just wish it would have been a bit longer.
Joe made his presence known to his dad and I all day on Wednesday. Before I could even squeeze out a tear that morning, our fire alarms went off for a call. Rich and I always feel closer to Joe when we are with the fire department in training or on a call. He made sure he was not forgotten on his birthday as I responded to 4 calls that day, little turkey! I called him that often when he was growing up and sure enough, on the first call, I literally had to shoo about 2 dozen turkeys away from the house to get inside. The ambulance almost took out part of the flock leaving. Yes, Joe was with us all day. Just so you know, 4 calls in one day (and then there was a board meeting as well I attended), is unusual for this time of year. We went almost a week without a call about a week ago. So yes, I know he is making his presence known when we need it most.
I want to thank the handful of people who sent texts, called, or sent a card thinking of us. It was a big birthday, and therefore a big hole was in our hearts. We don’t expect friends to remember, but there were a handful that did and reached out, and that meant the world to us.
I am going to leave you with a poem from my favorite poet, Donna Ashworth. It just makes me think of Joe every time I read it. I also leave you with a photo of Joe that I just adore. He gave me the most precious gift ever – of becoming a mother. Most people think of Joe as an adult…and I do, too, but a momma’s heart remembers her child as that….a child. The time where they adore you and wrap their arms around you with dimpled hands…when they still have all their baby teeth and have never thought of shaving. When they can play all day and want a bedtime story at night. When they aren’t quite stinky yet. I love you, my Joe. You are so very missed. Shine bright, my boy.
Messina Musings 
”When they aren’t quite stinky yet.” I’m thankful you’ve exposed us to the writings of Donna Ashworth because she gets it, but Cyndi, you are also a gifted writer. You evoke the images we can all relate to. I love that Joe sent you so many signs on his birthday. Related articles pop up on this site, so I also read about Joe’s 27th birthday when Lily made him a cake and he was excited about the leaf blower gift. Then I read about his 28th, Joe’s first birthday in heaven. I am thinking of you all as you miss Joe on what would have been the big 3-0.
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Such a beautiful tribute! Yes, I am sure that Joe was with you that day as he is every day, although I am sure that some days his presence is felt more than others. Such an adorable photo of Joe. My prayers are with you and your family daily that God gives each of you the strength that you need to cope with this loss. I lost my only brother at age 29 and that was hard enough; I cannot imagine losing a child of my own. Hugs to all of you.
Kathy
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