Cody Updates by Mom

Recently, our lives were completely shaken and overturned by the passing of our dear friend, Joe.

We had plans.

We had goals.

We had you.

I cannot even express the amount of sadness that not only this house but many (his beautiful wife and kids) are feeling after the sudden loss of our friend.

I have been thinking a lot about how this can adjust my life.

I watched as the numerous people stood for hours in line at the visitation to put their name in the book and to give the family their love and condolences. Joe was loved.

I ask myself, why? It is clear as day to me. He didn’t judge. He didn’t care if you were tattooed, broken, scared or alone. He cared about you, no matter what. What I have seen is the absolute picture of unconditional love. No one was left out.

Now what? I do not know. I know that for me to be that amazing would take a significant amount of self-work, love and change. What I can do, is start the change with small steps. See people as they are, broken but here, shattered but living, addicted but wanting more.

This inward thinking is hard on my soul. I am trying very hard to not get depressed from the times that I was not, that. Not beat myself up for being less than, that.

So, today… I am going to try to be a better mother, spouse, sister, friend and person. I may fail along the way but I know that in the end, I will be better just by trying.

Joe, thank you for showing us the type of person that should be. Thank you for being an example of someone that would accept anyone. Thank you for being you. We are here to bring you forward in time and show you that we can do it. Thank you for that challenge.

On a different note a few common sayings that I will be sad to not hear.

“Oh my God, where have you been? I have been worried sick!” Said any time I walked into the house or camper.

Me: ” Are you ready to start lunch/dinner/any meal?”, Joe: “Yes, I am starving. I haven’t eaten in weeks!”

You brought us laughter but in reality you brought us more love than we knew. Thank you. We are better people because of you. Now, stop playing in the weather room so we can have some normalcy. lol