31 Comments
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Emily Walling's avatar

If only the world had more Joes. He sounds like he was a remarkable young man. As the parent of a child with epilepsy, this brings up so many emotions for me and my heart hurts extra hard for your sister and your fam. Have been sending love and prayers your way.

Jim McKee's avatar

Dear Bob, When I bought a bronze plaque on a remembrance wall at my university in honor of my mother, I took a phrase from Milton's elegy to a young college friend who drowned: "Look Homeward, Angel," to which I added "You Who Read These Words." Your nephew Joe got Home before the rest of us.

Anton Simanov's avatar

I’m sorry for your loss. Amazing tribute to an amazing human being.

James Orenchak's avatar

You and your family are in my prayers.

Neil Sagebiel's avatar

I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. What a wonderful tribute to a young man who used his time here so purposefully to love others.

Johnny Bollow's avatar

As a father of a disabled teenager with epilepsy, this hits deep and stirs me in a lot of different directions. Thank you, Bob, for sharing your tribute to a life Well lived.

Bob D. Smiley's avatar

Thank you Johnny. Glad it touched you. DM and I’d love to hear more about your son. I have one of my own.

Seble's avatar

Very sorry for your loss. Our prayers for the whole family.

Rob Stennett's avatar

Bob, I'm so sorry to you and your family. But I love this tribute, and I'm inspired by it.

Bob D. Smiley's avatar

Thank you, Rob.

Andy Edge's avatar

🫂

Grant's avatar

Well said. Joe sounds like the kind of Godly young man of purpose we'd all love our daughters to meet and our sons to befriend. I'm so sorry for your family's loss and sorrow.

Dawn Pulgine's avatar

Joe sounds like an amazing, godly young man. Thank you for sharing him with us. Praying for you and your family. May you find the peace and comfort that only Christ can bring in these long days ahead.

Bob D. Smiley's avatar

Thank you Dawn.

Jim McKee's avatar

Is the song "I want to be forever young" or the poem "To an Athlete Dying Young" appropriate? Joe is now ageless, forever young. He left this world at his peak, at his best, unsullied, loved by everyone, loving everyone. Who could ask for more? All the same I know from the loss of both my nephews before their time how devastated Joe's family and yours are. So many high hopes dashed, so many hearts broken.

Bob D. Smiley's avatar

Love this perspective and thought, Jim. Thank you.

Phill E Cheesesteak's avatar

Much love and prayers for you and the family.

BSwarm's avatar

Bob. I’m so sorry and have been praying for you and your family. What a sweet testimony to Joe and sharing of the heart of your wittiness ministry here.

Bob D. Smiley's avatar

I’m grateful for you. Thank you.

Inga Jones Writes Thrillers's avatar

So sorry for your loss. What a great young man!

Julie's avatar

I’m so so sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and your family.