Friends

23 January 2016

JOE, MY HERO


REST IN PEACE, JOE

Yes, my husband passed away on the 8th day after moving to a hospice. He is no longer in pain and for that I am grateful. Watching him suffer was awful. I coped, after a fashion, but only because daughter, Rosanne, was there with me. She arrived back in the UK just in time. Another day and it would have been too late. The funeral will be on 3rd February so I have plenty of time to pray to the good Lord and ask him to take care of my man's soul. 

Today I received some thoughts from Rosanne's husband in Australia. I would like to share them with you. His words will be included in the Order of Service on the day of the funeral. I just know everyone will smile when they read them and maybe, like me, they will shed a few tears. 

Everyone loved my Joe and they are now telling me how much. Yes, he was a great guy and I am so pleased I spent the last 38 years with him. 

MEMORIES OF JOE ... from FRANK MILETO (Son-in-Law)

Joe’s visits to Australia

I remember ...

My son, Hadley, coming in and shouting “You have to come outside and see Joe.”
Not knowing what to expect I ran outside and watched Joe balancing the soccer ball on his foot and doing other tricks. Enjoyment for me and my boys

Arriving home from work and Joe asking if I wanted a drink. I’m thinking beer or cordial but learnt fairly quickly when he came back with a cup of tea. Priceless!

Taking him to our famous steam engine Puffing Billy for a trip around the Dandenongs with Rosanne and my sons. Two days later I got home from work and asked Joe “what did you do today” he responded I went to Puffing Billy again. I realised his love for Steam Engine Trains was real.

At Mini railway in Eltham, he was like a kid in a candy shop especially when he was invited into the workshop.

Everything for Joe was “Brill”

Rosanne and I took him to a friend’s place on a 40 acre property, 3 hours outside Melbourne. When it was dark I took him at the front of the property to look at the stars where there was no artificial light around. The look on his face when he looked up nearly bought a tear to my eye. It was a beautiful moment for both of us. We felt that we could reach up and touch the myriad of stars up in the sky. Moment was confirmed in Joe’s log as his favourite moment on that year’s trip to OZ.

Visiting an upmarket Hotel at Southbank with Joe and Rosanne. The Menu had a great range to pick from. Without missing a beat Joe asked for fish and chips which gave me a chuckle because that’s all he ever ordered whenever we went out.

Joe walked our dog Bonnie every day and they became best mates. When he would go back to the UK I would occasionally take her for a walk around the block and be stopped by people recognising Bonnie who would ask me “How’s Joe”. He spent approx. 4 Months in 3 trips to Ferny Creek and because of his pleasant nature more people knew him than me. That doesn’t mean I am a miserable Git, it just means Joe walked Bonnie more than I did and probably closer to the truth he would talk to anyone.

There are many more stories of the time he came to Australia but his life was full and this was a small part.

Loved by his family and respected and loved by my immediate family as well.

Great man and I will miss him and the banter we would have about the soccer. Take your place in heaven, Joe. A giant amongst men and you are the true meaning of a gentleman. Love you to the day I die (hopefully long way to go for me).

14 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear this Val. Sending you big hugs from afar.

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  2. Valerie, I have been thinking about you and Joe these past two weeks and sending you much love. Two days ago, I had a feeling that Joe had passed. Then today when I read your post in my feed reader, I knew what I had been feeling was true.

    It's strange this world of blogging, isn't it? We connect with each other through the Internet; never actually meeting one other yet, we share our lives and therefore bond on a very close and deep level. We feel each others happiness, successes, loses, and journeys.

    So please know that I am sharing this with you and sending you much love in the way energy. Because even though I have never met you and Joe in person, I have always felt very close to you both.

    I think it's wonderful that you shared the email from Frank and his memories of Joe. And yes, I smiled and cried while reading them.

    You take care, dear friend. And know that you are loved.

    (((((((((((((((((((( You )))))))))))))))))))

    Rest in peace, Joe X

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  3. Oh, Valerie, I am so sad to hear this. It has been clear from your posts how much you love Joe and what a great husband he has been to you. I am glad your daughter arrived home in time, and I expect she is too. My thoughts are with you in this sad time.

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  4. Valerie, I am sending loving thought to you. I am so glad to know you and Joe through your blog and you must miss him dearly So glad your daughter is with you.

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  5. So very sad to hear of Joe's passing Valerie. Joe was one of a kind and I wish I had met him, from the things you have said I know he was someone who would make a great friend. Thank you for sharing your son-in-law's thoughts, it was lovely to know a little more of a very special, wonderful man through Frank's thoughts and experiences. R.I.P. Joe and I send you a big hug Valerie.

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  6. Condolences to you, Valerie. Joe sounds like he was a fighter, with you by his side.

    The story of his life was awesome.

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  7. I am ever so sorry to read this sad news. That was such a loving tribute. Thanks. My sympathies to you and your family.

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  8. My deepest condolences, Val. I only knew Joe through your blog but from what you wrote and reading your son-in-law's words, he was truly a great, remarkable man that will be sorely missed. RIP Joe and lots of hugs from Idaho. Take care.

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  9. I was so sad when I read the news of Joe's passing last week. I am sorry I did not have the time to post a comment then. I only knew Joe from your Blog. He sounded like a great guy and he had to be to have a great woman beside him. It will be a joyous day when you see he again. My prayer are with you and your family.

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  10. What to say that hasn't been said? My heart hurts for you. I will remember you in my prayers and send good thoughts of comfort your way.

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  11. I wanted to say I hope the funeral is nice but it feels like I am coming across as insensitive. It's just one of those occasions where I am not sure what to say, but just know I am thinking of you and your family today, Val. Take care.

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  12. I am so sorry to hear about Joe's passing Val but I am glad that he is no longer suffering or in pain.

    And he IS with you, always. I'm sure you've felt that already, as in my experience when loved ones leave this earth, they often give us signs that they are still very close.

    Love never dies and it is obvious that you and Joe shared a special and eternal love. That will continue. I know he is looking down at you today and smiling about all the nice things you've written about him here.

    Big hugs to you. Take care Val, G

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  13. The story is so great to have. It does sum up how good of a guy he was. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  14. Dear Valerie,
    I'm so sorry that I've only just now found out this sad news of your dear Joe's passing. While reading your current post that mentioned probate and funeral I had to scan back quite a while to get caught up. Please accept my sincere condolences. All the mentions of him in your writings let us know how he was a loved. He will be missed much and by many.
    Please know that even when I'm not tending to my blog, or catching up like I should with others… you are thought of!
    May Joe be at peace.
    ((HUG))
    Love, Mary

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