Thursday, December 31, 2020
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandfather.
In my limited interactions with Joe since 1967, I found him to be warm, collected, understanding and enthused about life and your family. Yes, even the attribute “Cool” applies as he always offered love and support to each of you. Memories of his younger years when he was not besieged by illness created strong positive feelings of admiration and respect. He would share with you whatever he had with determination and love for each of you.
Your Mom and Dad gave you remarkable gifts of emotion, passion, understanding, intelligence, empathy and a warmness that you share in friendship with everyone you interact with.
On every occasion I interacted with him, our bond was very strong, and I always enjoyed hugs and greetings with him. I feel immense sorrow at your loss (as well as the reminded loss of your mother), and I hope your knowledge that I grieve with you may somehow lessen your pain at this time.
Your parent’s gift to me was I have been given another brother (Joe) and connections where we have shared life over fifty years. Each of you will continue to live with his spirit in you and that is a gift.
My pain for your loss is diminished knowing he is reunited with Mom in God’s arms and suffering no longer with human diseases. I share great sadness at your loss and pray that his memory will be a blessing to each of us.
God Bless each of you. Carl (and Mary) Helming
