Santa joe
Senior member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2013
- Messages
- 638
- Reason
- Lost a loved one
- Diagnosis
- 02/2012
- Country
- US
- State
- South Carolina
- City
- Goose Creek
Santa Joe was called to heaven Monday August 11. It was a time of sadness but also rejoicing. He was set free from ALS. I had prayed for him to go in his sleep but The Lord didn't answer my prayer instead he gave me a gift. I was able to be with him kiss him tell him how much I loved him and assure him we would be together again. He was so afraid to leave us.
In my heart I think he had a heart attack but does it matter. My sister was here with me. Monday was such a bad day and something told me to write his obituary. While he slept, I wrote about what a wonderful man he was - that he was the love of my life. He brought so much happiness to so many children playing Santa but nothing compared to the happiness and joy they brought to him.
There were so many people that attended his viewing and funeral. It was a time of happiness and admiration for a man so well loved. It was a celebration of his life. Our police escort shut down one our busiest streets until the funeral procession could pass. This is only done for dignitaries, but after all, he was "Santa Joe".
As we were saying our final goodbyes at the cemetery, my oldest granddaughter said - look there's Santa. The funeral director had the monument company etch a picture of Santa on his vault. Such a beautiful tribute to such Special man.
After Joe had left us and my sister called my sons and immediate family, she asked if I wanted to let my "Forum Family" know. My brother-in-law posted for me. Yes we are family........y'all have been here for me holding my hand the entire time. You have helped me thru some of my darkest moments and the love and support has been overwhelming.
I have grieved for over 2 1/2 years but the tears still flow. ALS stole so much from us but I am determined not to let ALS steal my precious memories.
Thank you all for walking and holding my hand on this journey.
Love
Debbie
In my heart I think he had a heart attack but does it matter. My sister was here with me. Monday was such a bad day and something told me to write his obituary. While he slept, I wrote about what a wonderful man he was - that he was the love of my life. He brought so much happiness to so many children playing Santa but nothing compared to the happiness and joy they brought to him.
There were so many people that attended his viewing and funeral. It was a time of happiness and admiration for a man so well loved. It was a celebration of his life. Our police escort shut down one our busiest streets until the funeral procession could pass. This is only done for dignitaries, but after all, he was "Santa Joe".
As we were saying our final goodbyes at the cemetery, my oldest granddaughter said - look there's Santa. The funeral director had the monument company etch a picture of Santa on his vault. Such a beautiful tribute to such Special man.
After Joe had left us and my sister called my sons and immediate family, she asked if I wanted to let my "Forum Family" know. My brother-in-law posted for me. Yes we are family........y'all have been here for me holding my hand the entire time. You have helped me thru some of my darkest moments and the love and support has been overwhelming.
I have grieved for over 2 1/2 years but the tears still flow. ALS stole so much from us but I am determined not to let ALS steal my precious memories.
Thank you all for walking and holding my hand on this journey.
Love
Debbie