Vanessa Gonzalez remembers Joey

Joey and I went to middle school and high school together, from the 6th grade to the 12th grade. Throughout that time in our lives we naturally got along but what genuinely bonded us was the fact that we both shared such a love and appreciation for our families. Although we made so many memories back in the day, I will never forget summer of 08. It was my first time spending summer at home since high school and it was so crazy seeing and hanging out with everyone once again, especially Joey. We reminisced about how his mom used to make him a bagged lunch everyday and how I used to always steal a bite. She made the BEST turkey sandwiches ever and I was jealous. He even rubbed it in by saying "hey I am 21 years old and she still makes me my lunch everyday before I go to work, and she always will." My little cousin and his little sister were in the same grade, and we could not stop talking about how old they were getting and how weird it was for us because it made US feel so old (even though we CLEARLY weren't).

Being nosey as always, I frequently interrogated him about girls, and he of course always replied saying "we are just friends." I really loved Joey's outlook on life. He was all about living in the "now." One night I will never forget was after a LONG night at Shorty's. He got his tab, and just laughed. I was like "wow, is it that bad?" He just signed it and said "oh well, it happens, now lets go to the VI!" Good times like this make me think of actually being at the VI. I specifically remember all of us girls dancing to Shania Twain's "man I feel like a women," and then looking over to see Joey, the only guy dancing with all of us. And he of course knew all of the words.

Times like this, good times at the houseboat, park fete over the years, and memories from the past are unforgettable moments I will never forget. He posted a picture of me and him at the houseboat with the subtitle saying "Vanessa and me, honestly didn't think I'd see her as much as I did this summer but it was deff. fun," and I couldn't agree with him more.

Joey, you have done so much for us all us, and I will forever treasure what you have done for me as a friend. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the good times. Your memory will forever remain in my heart.

LOVE you. -Vanessa