Sunday, February 9, 2020
I knew Joe from West Liberty State College. Joe was a gentle soul. He was well liked and a good friend. One of the things I remember most about him was his example of Christian forgiveness he showed after he had been beaten during a break-in and robbery of the photography studio in East Wheeling in the early 1980s. As I spoke with him in Wheeling hospital, he told me he had already forgiven his assailants – and I believe he meant every word, as he never spoke ill of those two men. He never even reported the incident that I know of. His forgiveness is how we should be, but we often fall far short of his example. I lost track of him after I married and moved away, but my wife and I have a great remembrance of him – he gave us a wonderful wedding present in the form of our wedding photos, and when we glance at them, we are reminded of his talent and kind spirit.
We send love, (((Hugs))) and prayers for his family.
Thanks Joe. Godspeed, my friend!