Memories and tears

There have been several times where I have reached for my phone to send a message or picture to Joey only to realize that he is no longer there to send some witticism.  Scott has caught me staring at the phone in my hand and confused and pained look on my face as I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.  My only response is "I would have sent that to Joey."  Usually Scott's answer is simply, "I thought about that too."

This trip has become bittersweet.  We have grand adventures, a big move to a new place, great food and sights but we have the loss of a wonderful person mixed in.  Now that we are in one place, my grief, delayed more by the everyday necessities that being on the road required, begins to surface oddly, unexpectedly, and with that strange mix of happy memories and overwhelming sadness.  And I always end up smiling as I remember all those memories I have; I just cannot help smiling through the tears.  Joey was just like that.

Today is Joey's 29th birthday.  Happy birthday, my friend.