Friday, June 11, 2010

Joe arrived at Hospice Atlanta yesterday about 4:30pm. He slept the best since arriving at Emory on 5/30/10. It is so peaceful here at the facility and the staff is compassionate and attentive to his needs. We have elected to administer pain medication only at Joe's request this morning. He has told us he is at peace with God and is ready to be in heaven. He is sleeping most of the time. He is still speaking but of few words. This CANCER has progressed rapidly and really hasn't given the kids and I any time to digest it all. But now it is hitting us hard. Our kids and our very close friend Cheryl have been right there with Joe & I in this journey and it has brought us even closer as a family then I ever dreamed it could. Everyone of you have been there for us in some way but most of all with your prayers. Please continue to pray for Joe thanking God for giving Joe the peace he has been searching.

Love you all,
Carol

15 comments:

  1. Have a safe ride, old friend. Have a safe ride.

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  2. Carol you and the kids are his world. I remember the first time I met him that is all he talked about-all of you. He loves you more than anything. Please know we love you. We are praying and although we all have heavy hearts we are so grateful he is our friend. You both are are our family too.

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  3. Like Ed and Ash said...
    We all love you, your Notorious Westsiders..

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  4. Carol I just want you to know that Russ and I think the world of Joe. He is such a special man. I know you are going to have a very tuff time and I wish there was something I could do for you.I want to tell you something else and I have something for you to read. So I am sending it with Sarah and Mark. Tell Joe we love him .
    With Love
    Kathy and Russ Kalis

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  5. Carol, I am sitting here at an absolute loss for words. I am so sad for you and the kids that this is happening, but I am heartened to know that Joe is not suffering and that he is at peace with God and with his life. He is getting there ahead of the rest of us, but we all owe the debt that Joe will soon be paying to this life. His new life is about to begin, and a joyous and cancer free life it will be! Carrie and I are blessed to have had him in our lives these last few years, and we will always be in yours. We love you and Joe, and we will be there for you whenever you need us. God bless and keep you.

    Bobby

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  6. Tell Joe we love him and we will see him there one day. We have enjoyed sharing this journey with him - through Soccer to CV. Thank you for keeping us informed through this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you - Dennis and Rita

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  7. Give Joe our love and a big hug from me. We have been so blessed to have him be apart of our lives here on earth. I know that someday we will all meet again without any worries or pain. Maybe we can even get in a game of Mexican Train. Our prayers continue for you and Cheryl and the family. We love you guys.
    Rex and Carol

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  8. Papa Joe,

    MAKE IT BIG PAPA JOE, MAKE IT BIG! You will know doubt touch peoples lives even in HEAVEN. As you say "It's about making a difference one person at a time". You will be welcomed by many when you make that transition, by service men and women, family and friends . . . they will guide and comfort you. Though sad and selfish, I'm happy to know that you are at peace and ready. I love you and always will. Thank you for impacting my life as you have and giving us so many wonderful memories. I know you will stand watch over us all.

    Pearl and children, We are here for you always. Continue taking care of Papa Joe and know you are all loved.

    Carrie Ann

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  9. Joe, I remember when we worked together at the fire dept and the first time we worked an EMS call together on the Squad. You helped me through a tough time and helped me understand some things. We developed a relationship like everyone in the dept did. I know I can say everyone that knows you is a better person for it. Although we didnt keep in touch like I wish we had I still remember those days and always will.

    I pray God will bless you and your family during this time. Carol if there is anything we can do you know we will be there without question

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  10. Thanks Papa Joe for making the ride better for all of us! Now enjoy your ride! You deserve only the best. We LOVE YOU!

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  11. Chris Houghton was made aware of your illness today. He worked with you on the police department he said. His thoughts and prayers are with you. He works for Harley Davidson and expressed his thoughts and prayers to you.

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  12. Thank you Pappa Joe for all that you have given us.

    MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU.
    MAY THE WINDS ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK.
    MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE,
    AND RAINS FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS.
    AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN,
    MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.

    Safe passage my friend.

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  13. Carol,
    I have worked with Joe for three years and never have I seen the peace within him as I have seen over the past two month. I truly believe that he is at peace with God and that he will be welcomed into his eternal home as a child of God. Peace be with you and the family, take comfort in knowing that his is Gods child. Enjoy the best ride you’ll ever take Joe, to see your Father. We love you. Darlene

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