One year ago this morning, we were awakened by some terrible news . . . Joey's dad had passed away sometime during the night of a heart attack.
The next few weeks and months were a time of sadness, memories, and busyness as we planned for the memorial service, cleaned out closets and bedrooms, and tried to help Joey's mom move forward one step at a time.
A year later, I still miss Joe so much. Bailey asks about him at least a couple times a month. In December, we lost a whole bunch of her birthday balloons out of the back of the car. As they floated to the sky, Bailey said "That's OK - Papa Joe needs balloons for my party too in heaven." It broke my heart. I doubt that she will remember him much as she gets older, but I am praying she does, no matter how small. Joey and I took the girls shopping for a new mattress for Bailey and for ice cream last night. They were being their normal, silly selves. Joey commented that his dad would be "eating them up" right now at their current stages. Papa Joe used to call Bailey a "regular old magpie" . . . and that surely hasn't changed. She talks and asks questions constantly! Molly's personality is "blossoming." She giggles and laughs and shakes her head yes really fast when she wants to do or eat something. Papa Joe would love it! Even when she was 3 months old, he talked about how he couldn't wait until she was old enough to take her for ice cream. That was his thing.
So, one year later I'll shed many tears, treasure the memories, and continue to pray for my dear husband and his family.
We love you Papa Joe and miss you so much!
Cammy
