• Memoriam wall
    • We've created a memoriam wall to remember our friends
    • If you know someone that battled ALS, please add them here
Status
Not open for further replies.

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
 
Oh Debbie
I have tears flowing. Santa Joe is indeed free and has time in heaven for a little r and r before preparing for this Christmas.

I am glad you were with him at the end as you have been through this nightmare. Wishing you comfort and sending much love
 
Last edited:
Debbie, you are not crying alone. Your letter was beautiful. How true that ALS stole much- but not those memories. Hugs are sent your way. Donna
 
Debbie,

Thank you for sharing those moments with us. Such love cannot be broken by ALS or by death. The good memories will stay with you forever.

Thinking of you...

Jim
 
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. LOVE transcends through all. The monster can't take away our memories. Rip Santa joe. Prayers for you and yours.
 
Thank you Debbie for sharing Santa Joe with us. Praying for you and your family. Kim
 
Debbie, my precious sister in pain.

Santa Joe feared death, but we know he is truly at peace now, free of the shocking pain and suffering he was trapped in.

You lived your love for him every single day as you cared for him in the way he wanted, and that is not an easy thing to do.

You also shared honestly with us all here about the most personal aspects of what was happening physically and emotionally and I need to tell you that your testimony here has been incredibly powerful for so many people, and will continue to be so in the future.

We held your hand, as you all held mine. I'm still holding your hand and thinking of you every day, as we start walking the very difficult path out the other side, having no idea where we are going now.

Love you girl
Santa Joe lives on in so many ways as a true hero
 
Wonderful tribute, Debbie -- I told your story to our alsa group today. He is at peace.

we never forget ...

Max
 
Debbie - thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. As a caregiver, it humbled me to read about your journey with Joe. He was such a special man and blessed to have you in his life. Be at peace now.

Trina
 
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Joe. I wish that I had the opportunity of meeting you both back in the day when I managed Northwoods. Just thinking of the many extra special Christmas memories thanks to Joe's gift to the children, makes me smile. You have both been down the roughest road together with unsurpassed courage, determination and love. Thank you for sharing Joe with our forum family and God bless you.
 
Debbie, I meant to say "your forum family". Love and hugs from a former South Carolinian.
 
So very sorry for your loss. Peace, comfort and strength to you and your family.
 
>Peace, comfort and strength to you
 

Attachments

  • 1499446_683487655025105_2131812684_n (2).jpg
    1499446_683487655025105_2131812684_n (2).jpg
    39.6 KB · Views: 223
  • 1471922_684947948212409_884363325_n.jpg
    1471922_684947948212409_884363325_n.jpg
    49.4 KB · Views: 223
He's up there greeting all the kids coming to the gates, continuing to spread love and happiness as he did here. Holding your hand and feeling your pain, xxoo
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top