In Memory of My Cousin Joe

I just read on Facebook, my cousin Joe died. Helluva way to find out, but the truth is would not have known without the social network. It was how my cousin and I stayed in touch.

It wasn't always that way. There was a time when I would go to his father's store (OB"M) and sit and chat with him, alot. He would tell me of his many adventures meeting celebrities. They were all true by the way, as he had the pictures to prove it. He wasn't known as "El Paparazzi" for nothing. He met all kinds of famous folks from pop stars, athletes to Latino celebrities.

Joe and Will Smith

We talked about G-d. We talked about my mother who has passed when I was an infant. We talked about the day to day. He and I talked about so much, even vegetarianism...I don't recall that he was one but I remember his dad was and I've been a vegetarian for longer that I wasn't one.

It was just such a comfort to walk into the store and see his very sweet smile looking up from the small TV set there on the counter to greet me. He had been through so much in life. He was incredibly non judgmental and always supportive. I always remember how kind he was.

When I moved and left the area, I only stopped back in sporadically for a quick visit, and then eventually we lost touch. Time and distance do that. But not love.

Facebook put us back in touch, but for too little time. I had read that he was sick, I joined in on the prayers of the family, but to no avail apparently.

Joe is gone. Along with his smile, sweetness and camera.

But according to his brother not his spirit.

Yes, I suppose that can be true. Memories allow a person to live on.

So I guess for me Joe will never be gone, because no one can take from me that smile or sweetness...or the time he tried to set me up with one of his friends, "He's a great guy!"

:::very big smile:::