Originally Posted by stevieray
I might've "met" Joe on the Planet, but let me tell you about the first time I met him in person.
If you were going to Arrowhead from the northland, everyone knew you got off 435 @ 23rd st, and took that up to Blue Ridge and straight shot to the complex, avoiding traffic.
At the time I was driving my 65 Chevy Chiefs van. I pulled off 435 and came up to the light @ 23rd. The van dies (which it tended to do after running on the highway) Cars are lining up behind me....I start to panic...Next thing I know a guy and a couple of friends jump out of the vehicle right behind me...it's Nzoner. Totally cool, wasn't worried about being held up. We got the van started and proceeded to Arrowhead. I met Joe being a good Samaritan.
Little did I know.
We went down to Texarkana to hang with Bob Dole for a week. Joe had over 50 CD's of prerecorded music. we JAMMED the whole way down..laughing at the podunk sights along the way...think Possum Blossum Cafe. Had a great time..He confided in us back then that he was afraid that his marriage was in trouble and he was worried it was going to end. Dole and i were shocked and tried to encourage him, but he was definitely hurting.
Little did I know.
The bashes. Oh man. Legendary. Words can never describe it. People coming from across the country to hang with Joe. Any one who ever attended can attest to the feeling you had when you walked into that game room for the first time. My first time there he was worried that I would be mad because he had taken a pic my Delany painting(another thing that brought us together, we both had his jersey.) and had blown it up onto a banner. He was worried that it would bother me, when in fact it was nothing short of a compliment. That was Joe. I remember asking him about a month ago what was his favorite item in the game room was, and he couldn't pick one. Easy to understand.
About four years ago he called me and invited me to see The Record Company at the Voo Doo lounge, because Kathy wasn't feeling well. This is when he recommitted his life back to God. Went up to the hotel room, and it was just Him and his Bible. cigarettes, booze, pot..all gone. Like it never happened. He was peaceful. We had a great time.
About a year ago I got a gig up in St Joe and of course, Joe let me stay with him for a couple of days. He had lost Kathy, and was on the mend form his heart attack. Working out, doing well.
On the last night, he opened and confided in me. It's the only time I've ever seen him cry. He told me how he had failed in his marriage and let his wife down ( he loved her with the passion of a hundred men). no need for messy details, but he got on his knees and begged for her forgiveness, and she forgave him ( testament to who Kathy was) I wish I could describe how important this was to him. Carrying all that weight around all these years later(texarkana), only to have it lifted from both of their shoulders? The fact that they could reconcile before the health problems began just shows you the amazing grace of God, and the peace they must've felt. The last thing Kathy asked for joe was to read her Bible to her.
As you all know, losing her broke his heart. It's all he tallked about this past year. He wanted to honor her somehow, use their story as a testimony to help others.
Now the game room will serve that cause. Well done, brother.
Although iIm very sad today, my heart leaps for joy as I know he is in the Lord's and Kathy's arms. No more pain. no more sadness. Just forgiveness and joy.
I'm a wiser and richer man for knowing you. Thanks for being my steel to sharpen against.
The world sure could use a lot more Joey Traceys right about now.
I love you, man.
RIP
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