Jackie Rodriguez remembers Joey

A day doesn't go by where I don't think of Joey. I think all the time of that night, things could have been different, he could have just went home. Since I was leaving the next day to Europe he wanted to come say goodbye. I remember word for word the last text he sent, "okay have to drop a friend off, be there in 20 min, will you be up?" I wish things could have been different. He was too young, my heart is broken, and I feel for the Pinasco family.

I couldn't believe the next day, I was just with him the night before, I still can't believe it. It all seems surreal to me that this all happened. I am here, in Madrid, Spain, and was not able to attend the rosary, funeral, or candlelight vigil, It just still seems surreal. I think about him everyday, I look up to the heavens and know he is down watching over all of us, getting us through this tough time. Be our strength Joey, for all your friends and family who miss and love you so deeply, Our guardian angel.

I saw him the Friday night before and it was way random, I was so happy to see him and I just kept hugging him. He was so happy for me, studying abroad. We caught up like I was never away at college. Joey was always so caring for his friends always smiling, always so happy for them doing good things in life.

The night before, Saturday, we were having a funny conversation about how I am studying abroad in Europe and was going to find my prince here and become a princess, and he said nope "Jackie in 5 years I am going to make you a Pinasco!" and I said laughing, "Okay Joey I'll become a Pinasco!" Fun times. It all started in sixth grade, I remember little Joey when I was in eighth grade and he had a crush on me, it was so cute. And I always had a crush on him too. He told me that night I had always been his 'forever crush.'

My thoughts and prayers are with the Pinasco family, such a great family and such a horrible thing that happened, they do not deserve this. Justice for Joey! I love u Joey and miss you. Only God knows why the best ones are taken away so early, so young. Pinasco family you are in my prayers, everyday.

Love,
Jackie Rodriguez