Carlos met Pop Pop Joe at some of the poker events in the area. Carlos took an instant liking to Pop, as did Pop to Carlos. The first time I met Pop, I actually went to one of those events, and could see the second I said hello, I could see the instant attraction that everyone feels when they meet Joe. From then on, Joe would come to hour house on Friday nights and play cards with us. Getting to know Joe, was probably one of the best thing that happened in both mine & Carlos' lives. He taught us so much about life, and about how easily he could let somethings roll off his back. He also taught us how he would fight for what he believed in, which we respect so much! And when it came to his Doris, forget it! Words couldn't express how much he loved her! So one day we asked Joe if he wanted to come to Atlantic City with us, and he was so excited, that when he got in our car, he had a smile from ear to ear. We get there, and my husband parks about as far away as you can park from the Casino, and Joe thought he was out of his mind. He kept saying "Carlos, I'm an old man, I can't walk that far, why didn't you valet the car". Carlos told him "Joe, I'm keeping you young". After quite the walk for even my 36 year hold husband, we finally get to a table, and Joe wasn't moving, win, lose or draw! We have a day filled with so much fun and laughter, and on the way home Joe was still so extremely excited, and thankful, to have gone to Atlantic City, that he was still beaming. I was quite tired, and not feeling 100% on the way home, so I told Pop to sit in the front with Carlos, so I could put my head down in the back. Well, that lasted approximately 10 seconds, because as soon as we got in the car, Joe talked the ENTIRE time, from child birth to present time. And that my friends, is how one gets to know Pop Pop Joe, inside & out, and what makes you love him. You will always be in our hearts Pop. We are so thankful, and blessed that we had our time with you. You will never be forgotten, and will always be loved. You left a lasting impression on me, but even better yet, you were a grandfather figure to my husband, who never had the chance to be as close to his grandfathers as he would have liked. For the joy and happiness you have brought to my husband in the time you knew each other, I can't possibly express my gratitude and love. We will always remember and love you, and will always, always be here to take care of Doris. Rest in peace Pop. God Bless you Pop Pop Joe!
