This picture was taken during our last week with Joey in Honolulu. We were assembled at the Waikiki Shell to watch his sister JoAnne graduate with a business degree from Hawaii Pacific University. On the other side of Joey is Ryan Cox who was graduating from the nursing program. He is the younger brother of Joey's best friend since birth, Kevin Cox. Due to the fact that both JoAnne and Ryan were graduating at the same time, we were blessed to have Joey's First and Second Families together for a week of celebration fun---beaching, dining, laughing together,and loving each other. Joey even indulged his mother's favorite pasttime by taking her and his dad and Kevin to "High Tea" at the Moana Surfrider in honor of Mother's Day. Precious time, precious memories. That was a gift from God to each of us who were closest to him on earth. We all love him so much, and time with Joey was always a good time.
A week later, Joey also graduated...to heaven. Goodbye beautiful son...we are poorer without you, but heaven is richer.
6 comments:
Uncle Joe and Aunt Karen,
I can't imagine the pain and heartache that you continue to feel daily as a result of your loss, there truly are no words to describe it. Tragedies like these often leave us broken and confused as to what purpose, if any, there could be in such a loss. I remember attending the L.A. memorial service and being moved in so many ways that I walked away from it completely overwhelmed. I have spent the last few weeks trying to put into words what I have learned from Joey's life. One thing that I can say about life is this: that it is a gift and that it must be well lived. I am eager to see how these lessons will affect my life, and the lives of others.
I want to thank you both for the example you have been to us all, that throughout this difficult time you have continued to model a Godly response amidst your loss. I love you both and you will continue to be in my prayers.
Nate Davis
Dear Nate...that is so beautiful. Thank you for your words. We don't have any answers right now either--I don't think we'll get them here on earth. All we do know is that God is good and that Joey is in His care, and that He will walk us through the valley of the shadow of death one day at a time. Our loss is profound but we have not lost hope.
God bless you and may you live your life to the fullest and for the glory of God.
Love, Auntie Karen
What a beautiful picture and how wonderful that your entire family was able to be together that special weekend. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
We love you all, Garnett and Scott
The picture is such a treasure. A wonderful family moment, captured forever.
Bill Kepler
hi joe and karen
we are still here praying every day. i am reading 1 thess. every day and keep thinking of you when it gets to the part of grieving with hope. the verses that follow those obvious ones keep striking my heart for you for some reason.
thank you for letting us into some of the deep places you are walking.
may God give you great comfort TODAY.
we love you both so much
carrie nichols
Thank you for sharing your hearts, I know I always say that, but I is so special to us that you share those moments that are so special to you, with us. We are praying for you daily, and know that all our love is with you! ~ciara, michael & mikaela
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