Michelle Pires remembers Joey

I met Joey in May 2007. My friend Stephanie introduced us at a bullfight in Stevenson. We only said three words to each other, "Hi, I'm Michelle," and "Hi, I'm Joey." That was it for the night. The next day my friend Stephanie texted me and said that Joey wanted my number and wanted to see me again. We got each other's numbers and that's where our story begins. He told me the next day that he was watching me the whole night at the bullfights and thought to himself that I was going to be his next girlfriend :) We NEVER went more than two days without talking since.

He INSISTED that I go to park fete in 2007, so I did. That's where it all started. We clicked and had so much in common. We talked for hours. I remember I was so nervous on my way to see him. I had the butterflies. I was always honest with Joey and I told him I was so nervous. He told me, "Don't worry I'm nervous too but I have a feeling that things will go perfect!" and they did. Joey had a way to make me feel so special and important.

Our first date was also very nerve racking. He showed up to my house and I ran outside because my whole family was over, and you know how Portuguese people are, loud and at times embarrassing. Haha so I told him that he would meet them another day. We went to Red Robin for dinner and talked FOREVER! Then we watched Transformers and we laughed and talked through out the whole movie!

On August 24, 2007, my brother/best friend passed away. Joey stuck by my side throughout everything. He supported and comforted me every day from then on out. Joey had an amazing heart and wanted me to be happy. He would always say, "I'll do anything just to see you smile" (Tim Mcgraw-just to see you smile was one of our songs). He also texted me a few days after and told me to listen to Clay Walker-Fall. He said that song was his song to me and he wanted to be by my side no matter what. Joey put aside all of his friends because he willingly wanted to be there for me and help me through the loss of my brother. Joey was a very caring and loving guy and wanted nothing but to see the ones he loved happy.

We decided to go to Supercross 2008 at the ATT Park in San Fransico. He called me ALL morning, because of course, I was running a little late, haha. Once I showed up to his house, we got in his truck and drove off. On our drive, we talked and laughed the whole way. I kept asking, "Are we there yet?" and he would just laugh and smile his amazing smile at me and say "Not yet!" :) Once we got into the city, we rolled down the windows and turned up his birthday CD and just enjoyed the weather and ocean. We went into the pits and got to meet Carey Heart and meet up with his cousin. I'll never forget, I had to go to the bathroom and we were in the pits, so I had to go in the gross porto potties. I set my purse (that he bought me and would take better care of it then I would haha) on the floor next to him. When I walked out, he was holding my purse and had that cute little smile of his on face again and he just looked so cute! :) We went into the field to watch the races and the clouds started rolling in. We looked at each other and said no matter what were watching the races even if it pours down rain, and we did. It started to pour down rain but we had our rain jackets and enjoyed the races! Even though it started raining, it was still one of the best days I have ever had!

Joey's 21st birthday was also a very fun and memorable night. Of course I was nevrous because his whole family was going to be there but of course he reassured me and said, "Dont worry, they will love you. I do" :) He always had a way to make me feel better. Once I got there he introduced me to his family and we hung out with all his friends and family. By the end of the night, his WONDERFUL sister Adriana drove us to the V.I. Joey danced and sang the whole night away. He was so happy and having so much fun. Nothing could ruin his night. The smile on his face was priceless! The bar was closing and it was time to go home. By the time we got to his house, he was already snoring on my shoulder haha. I tried to get him out of his truck but he would not move. I sat outside with him for a good 45 minutes till I was able to get him out of his truck. Once he got up he ran to his room and and laid on his bed. I went in there to make sue he was ok and he looked up at me said, "Tonight was so much fun!' Joey always knew how to have a good time and make the best of every situation!

LAC 2008 was one of the best days of my life. We didnt go together, but of course, we ended up together. Once Blake Shelton came on, he called me and we met up. He made our way to the front of the concert and just started singing and dancing! Joey was twirling me around all over the place, I think I hit everyone around me haha. But he still continued to sing and dance with me. Blake Shelton started to play his song "Nobody but me." He stopped and put his arms around me and we just started dancing slowly. He sang that song at the top of his lungs right in my ear haha. After that day, that song became another one of our songs. Every time it would come on the radio, either one of us would text each other to listen to it.

I have so many more memories that would take up pages and pages. Times that I would eat dinner with his WONDERFUL family, the many and many dinner dates we would go on, the nights we would just lay around and talk, and nights out with his or my friends. Joey meant a lot to me and to many other people. He touched so many people in many different ways. He loved every minute of life and made the best out of every situation. I would always stress about school, work and my family and he would always tell me that everything was going to turn out okay. Joey was my best friend and he told me I was also his. We could talk about anything and not judge one another. Joey is the reason I am who I am today. He made me so much stronger and such a better person. We had our ups and downs but everyone does. We got through them and only made things stronger.

All in all, Joey Anthony Pinasco was a wonderful young man. He loved his family and friends so much. He would do anything for anyone. Joey will remain in my heart forever. I love him with all my heart and that will never change. I still don't understand why this had to happen to such and amazing and loving person. That question will haunt me forever but I know somehow, just like Joey has been doing in my dreams, he will help me understand one day. I miss him so much and I know so many people do as well. It's hard to wake up in the morning and knowing that I wont get a good morning text or phone call, and its so hard to get through the day without him, but I know that one day he will help everyone in one way or another get through the day.

Joey is my support and my motivation to do well in life. He always told me that the one thing that he loved about me the most was that I was my own person and I knew what I wanted out of life. He was so proud of me that I have done well in school and I will continue to for him. He is up there now with my brother and I could not ask for two better people to watch down upon me and guide me through my life. Not a minute goes by that I don't think about you!! I love you Joey and you will remain in my heart forever!

Love always,

Michelle