I think it was Christmas 2004 when we threw a huge Christmas party. Even my parents were here from Grapevine, TX. We bought a lot of booze, and Joe made me the best martini I've ever had. After I drank the first one, I had him make me a couple more. Jenn made my dad an amaretto sour. Joe played the piano, and we sang carols. My parents both remembered Jenn and Joe.

On Monday, after Joe passed away, I called my mom to tell her. She told my dad when he got home from work, and he wrote me this email.

My heart goes out to Joe, his wife, his parents and to all his friends; especially to you and Jennifer. Words can not express the depth of sorrow that you all feel when confronted with the loss of a loved one or a dear friend. I feel your anguish.

The last gift that my mother gave to me, so many years ago, is a book that I have grown to love and to cherish. I have turned to it many times in the past and will continue to depend on it in the future. "The Prophet" has so many good passages, but I send this one to you, Joe's wife and to all who share his loss:

"Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

Today, Joe is free. Dance with him.

Love,
Dad