10/29/2021
As we close another page - this will be one of them.
Now, I will leave this page here as guidance for someone who may need it. Or who knows - we may do something in Joes memory some day. For now, this page will probably be silent. Which we can be thankful for. The fight is over. And man did he fight.
I am no good with thank you cards. I won’t lie. I am not tackling my grief as I would hoped. You know the “coulda, woulda, shoulda.” Hits you hard some days, and I try to move physically as much as I can. Sitting down to write is not exactly for me right now. If you’re the one who wants a card. And actually, a few came back as return to sender. I’m awful. Truly. Social media travels faster than the postal service - so I thought would be a way to go. And not a card that may be tossed.
First and foremost for any donation or fundraiser that was put on, and anything that has been sent along the way. That has kept stress off my shoulders, and the ability to keep me home with Joe and my three kids. That was time spent and of course, we don’t get time back and truly because of you all.
* The Caprara Family. - From simply taking him on as an employee. He was a lot to listen to - let’s be serious. To Frankie being by his side during his last hours I cannot thank you enough. Jen, Brooke, Taylor - He loved you all and was so grateful for your individual relationships and friendships. Charlie & Billy and everything you have done for our family is so beyond amazing. Brings me speechless at times. Jess and Billie he loved your s***k I heard about it often. We truly thank you all.
* Every single salesman along side him - thank you for watching him day in and day out. He spent more time there than at home so at times I felt ok because you all cared so much. Whether it be to frantically drive him home, and even make sure I knew something was wrong. You also made him feel like he was living while he could and kept the normalcy going.
* Frankie - more than just a boss. You did a great job - thank you isn’t even enough.
* Coty - thanks - for being in the ER that original day. Doctor appointment check ins he wouldn’t even look to know it was you and say “it’s just Coty.” To being with him at our house that final day.
* Brooke - for staying at our house and watching the kids during his big ol craniotomy. Toast the bagel though.
* Jodi - Daily. Every. Single day being there. All the way in the damn bayou - becoming the person of allll persons. Joe knew you’d be there. Trump & Hip. You damn twins.
* Tommy Mackey - making and donating the corn hole boards to raffle off for our family. I hear they’re pretty fun.
* AnnLee Photography - for every stage prior to cancer right up until a week before he died.
* Spook hill - for holding our spaghetti dinner in March - everyone who had a hand in putting it together. Thank you. Takes a team, and we are thankful for all.
* Guilfoyle ambulance - the many many many rides and trips to Syracuse in which Joe was transported. All the patience with his wild soul the entire way there.
* Watertown fire department - many times we needed you here for lifts, assisting, and rescue truck being here first help immensely multiple times.
* The Hall Family - for the biggest fundraiser for our family. You went completely above and beyond we could imagine. To everyone who donated on behalf of our family - we thank you. Truly, we are humbled, hope you had fun, and the best ride on Joes behalf this day!
* Steve Baker with B&T construction - for building the ramp that we needed in literally two days.
* Rachel with WTD times - thank you for always high lighting his personality so well.
* The team at Davidson Chevy - thank you. From the bottom of my heart. For sticking by him after the fact. Ethan and Mary you did wonders for our family. My heart is grateful.
* Upstate Cancer Center - literally being the most genuine place on earth. For laughing right along with the mullet, and truly getting to know us and our personality. That he was a fighter, and I was the crazy advocate who knew what she was talking about. Thanks for the patience with me, and his antics. His neurosurgeon more than any, understanding I was loudly speaking for him. And thankfully appreciated this.
* Hospice of Jefferson County - our nurse was truly the most genuine and real human being. But she was tough as nails through it all. I’m just tremendously thankful for her. Sean - for taking Gordon and keeping him active while I truly couldn’t during Joes final days. Social worker - she’s the sweetest and knew what to say and when.
* Jayne - our social working through upstate, and for doing practically everything for our wedding. Becoming such a great friend.
* All who participated in our meal train - thank you to Laura P and Amy O for putting this together. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send a dish, or donation for our family.
* Our neighbors Doug, and Bill for keeping up on the mowing and snow removal when times were just difficult. And this summer when it was crazy.
* Nuts.com
* The Buckley Family - Ashley and I barely knew each other on January 31, 2020, and she swooped in grabbed Bennett. Made dinners, and made sure we were fed and taken care of in the weeks that followed. She stuck around and it seems they all did. The day Joe passed she text me hours prior and it seems we had a sense, and swooped in grabbed the kids without a thought. The friendship you never saw coming - but thankful for it. And I mean Tim đź’©.
* Movement Sports - Marcie and every practice this spring checking on me and making sure everything is “ok.” Making sure Bennett is still busy, moving and going without a thought. Never hounding how’s dad, or bringing home life to a game. Never in a year and a half. The games after Joes passing of course, that was truly the most amazing gesture and he would be so grateful.
* Watertown Wolves - going completely out of your way to honor Joe. Simply amazing.
* Trisha Clement - for simply “dancing for Joe.”
* The Doldos from the General Store for closing our pool, and Joes friend Lee for also having a hand in that.
* D.L Calarco Funeral Home - I had no idea we would have this here up until the day he died. I was terrified but Francee made this as perfect as it could of been.
* We thank you for the meals. The deserts, flowers, and life that followed after his passing.
* Thank you to anyone who has sent a card of encouragement during his journey to lift him up, a sympathy card, a donation after the fact. Some take me by surprise, and some people we haven’t heard from in some time. Thank you for reaching out. If you ever are hesitant to talk to someone - don’t be. I’ll tell you I am so grateful. There no word that truly does not go unnoticed.
Whether you were there with us at the beginning or hopped along the way. We thank you for being there, and following the bits and pieces we decided to share.
Joe had such a big heart, and for everyone that surrounded him. Whether it was joking his way through, or even having a rare serious moment with you; he appreciated every effort that was made to get us through this chapter of life.
Photo credit to: Marcie Marcolini the morning after Joe passed.
Thanks for all those good vibes 🤍🤍
