Remembering Joe

One year.

These things feel like forever and yesterday all at the same time.

An astonishing man.
Unfaltering in spirit even as his body unsteadied itself.
As if each loss physically was a gain spiritually,
but only because he fiercely chose to make it so.

How is it that he was the one to crack the jokes, cheer us up, make us laugh?
How is it that he could be so generous with himself even as so much was taken from him?
How is it that even as the disease made its claim, he never let it define him?

If you need to know what tenacity looks like, remember Joe.
If you need to know what forgiveness looks like, remember Joe.
If you need to know what gratitude in the face of adversity looks like, remember Joe.
If you need a good joke to cheer up your heart, remember Joe.

Joe, we miss you so much.
Can't wait to worship with you again one day.
Bet you'll be on the drums.