The world doesn’t pause today to realize that this is a special day. My phone still carries his number (I can’t yet bear to delete it), but if I dial it – no one will answer. The connection won’t go through so I can say the words – Happy Birthday Joe. This is the first time in the past 47 years that Joe is not here to celebrate his birthday and the world won’t take any notice.
We will notice. We will remember.
Happy Birthday Joe and I miss you. Tammy brought the kids down Sunday and we celebrated for you. We had cranberry chicken and of course your favorite – mom’s Sloppy Joes! Tammy still has the recipe after all these years. Your kids loved it (they were the ones who chose it), but you won’t be surprised to know that I didn’t eat any – I don’t like it anymore now than I did when we were kids. My family loved it though and of course, so did Kim. We had another one of your favorites – Tammy made cheese cake, and of course we all had a little bit of birthday cake. Dad’s coming to town today to see the kids and have a birthday dinner with them. I was thinking about the irony of us all celebrating your birthday together without you – something we wouldn’t have done if you were here. Somehow I think you’d get a big kick out of that!
Your kids look great – they’re very strong you know, and you will feel comforted to know that Tammy is doing a great job with them! Christopher looks just like you - his mannerisms and everything! He is quite a character. We’ve always said he is a mini Joe. You will live on in him and I will appreciate the opportunity to watch him as he grows. Meghan is getting so big – almost taller than me. She is a thoughtful and beautiful girl and her quiet strength is comforting to see. They are going to be ok!
I know today is going to be a difficult day for them. It was their idea that we all get together to celebrate, and I’m thankful for their courage to want to share this time with us. I hope we, as your family can provide some strength for them as they do for us.
I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate the time we spent together more and I’m sorry I took you for granted. I love and miss you!
Happy Birthday - Until we meet again, Your sister Piper
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8 comments:
Piper this is beautiful. Joe I miss you so much. I look at Devil's Head everyday and try to see you there. It is a moment for sure. You have finally managed to bring this family closer and more appreciative of each other. Thank you. I am sure you can see that. We are going to have a halloween for the kids. It will be hard to follow yours from last year. Jim and I were remembering Grano's wish to have a big red truck and white dog in heaven, I'm sure you've caught her ride. I love you Mom.
Beautiful and touching. Happy Birthday Joe, from Dillon. I will wave to your Dillon abode today and, of course, think of some very memorable times we had together. hugs, Nanci
Thank you Piper for taking the time you have unbelievable talent. We all miss Joe. I think of him everyday. Joe I wish you could meet Tate. I love you and miss you Jim
what a lovely post, Piper.
I appreciate the e-mail and a chance to remember with you. I think of Joe, Aunt Eloise, and Dad and realize what a loss this world has had. I think often of them and its easy to focus on all the great moments our family has had. They've left a rich legacy.
All the best,
Shannon
Piper-
What a beautiful way to remember. You have such a gift for expressing yourself. I am sure he can feel your love. Families are Forever.
Love-Ann
Piper, that was amazing. He is lucky to have you as his sister.
I thought about Joe all day. What a gift you have Piper. I really love that you and Tammy are making the time to keep the kids together.
Joe, you will always be an important part of our family and our lives. Happy Birthday
Love, Aunt Lin
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