A Tribute to Grand Joe

“Grand Joe, where are you?”
“Limbe,” he replied.

“Grand, what are you doing there? Come back now, now!”

This was the last exchange I had with him on WhatsApp just a week before his passing.

On the morning he left us, I sent another message: “We wish you a Merry Christmas; may your celebrations be joyous and the New Year bright. From the Meandes.”

To be honest, I am angry. I am angry because he passed when I was so full of hope for his recovery. In my grief, I am reminded of Job 1:21: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Thank you, Grand Joe, for always being a wonderful big brother and for always looking out for me. I am so grateful for the time we spent together; I learned something new in every single conversation.

You truly seemed to have a solution for every problem known to man.

Your love for family knew no bounds, and distance was never an obstacle. To you, driving 400 miles just to be with us was simply what love did. I will never forget breaking bread together during your visits.

The chatting, the laughter, the "chewing of bones," and the way we cracked up at the stories you shared.

You were a master of empowerment, never ceasing to learn or seek out new opportunities.

To say you will be truly missed is an understatement. May your memory be eternal, and may you rest in the bosom of your Lord.

Adieu, Grand Joe. Rest in perfect peace.

 

Your Cousin,

Felicite Meande