Saturday, April 20, 2019
I remember meeting Joe for the first time. I was trimming a bunch of vines that grew on a fence that separated our yards. It was kind of a barrier between us and when I trimmed it all up there was much less privacy between our backyards. I remember thinking, “I hope the other owner isn’t upset that I did this.” He came over to introduce himself when I was done and I immediately knew there was nothing to worry about. Over the years that I lived behind Joe, it was clear I had struck the neighbor jackpot. I couldn’t have asked for a more kind, caring, respectful, thoughtful, sharing neighbor. He was also always so nice to my wife and kids as well. He made all of us feel like family. He even put in a gate between our yards so we could chat or hang in his backyard having a cigar and a couple of beers. It went on that way for all the years I lived there and I cherish those memories, including all his shared knowledge of gardening. Then I moved out of the area and it was hard. In fact, the hardest thing about the entire moving process was telling Joe we were leaving. I was sad about it and I was afraid he would be as well. I remember being nervous and getting up the courage to tell him we were leaving. I am eternally grateful that I met him and can call him my neighbor and my friend. Rest in peace and prayers to Grace and family.
The Wise family
