Two years ago today Joey went to heaven. It’s hard to believe the time that has gone by without him with us. It feels like yesterday yet so long ago. It seems to me like another lifetime. I still feel like its a nightmare I’m hoping one day to wake up from. I will always wonder how such a beautiful soul left this world way to soon. If only we were all a little more like Joey the world would be such a kinder and more understanding place.
Our hearts broke two years ago. They will always be broken until we will be reunited again with Joey. Nothing is ever the same. A part of our family is no longer here with us. I do take some comfort in knowing I will see him again. Though it doesn’t help when milestones we would have watched Joey make come and go.
His life is lived on in my mind imagining where he would be now and how he would have grown in the last two years. Joey was such a smart kid both in school and in life. He would most likely be starting this August his first year as a full time college student as a junior in high school as part of the high school program he was accepted into. However, my imagination can only take me so far. I have only my memories and the memories of others to help try and comfort me.
I do get peace in feeling Joey close by. I feel at times like he is right here but just out of sight. I feel and know in my heart he is happy and peaceful. I can see his smile. I know that when my time comes he will be right there waiting for me.
Over the last two years we have talked about and have wanted to create and honor Joey’s memory by giving to other children in the hospital. Joey and our family were blessed many times over by the kindness of others and in his spirit we want to give back as well. If you knew Joey you knew his love for LEGOs! His Make A Wish trip was even to Legoland in California. They brought him joy, comfort, and were a way for him to escape when times were tough for him. He would get them for holidays, before and after surgeries, just because, and even save his own money to purchase them in between. Our wish is to carry on Joey’s loving and kind spirit by giving to other children who are going through tough times. We hope to bring them a smile and hope for better days ahead. Our idea is to collect new boxes of LEGOs or donations to purchase them and take them to children in hospitals to honor Joey’s memory. It will be known as Joey’s Legocy. Today feels right to share this idea and finally bring it to life.
I also wanted to share with everyone pictures from Joey’s Make A Wish trip that I never could bring myself to share.
Thank you for all the love and support over the years for Joey and our family.