This week tragedy has affected my family. A man I admired and respected lost his fight against cancer on March 22nd 2007Joe Mace was by title my farther-in-law but to me he was much more. He was the man who trusted me with his daughter future, He was a strong man who dedicated his life to ensure his family lived a better life then he had himself. I myself plan on doing the same for my own family and I can only hope I do half as well as he did.
In his final months Joe and I had several talks about the nature of life & death, during these conversations Joe confided in me that he only had months to live. He also confided in me about his fears for the family after his own passing. We talked about my views on mortality and what I felt it must be like to know your going to die. I wouldn't learn till days later how deeply my words affected him. In my mind we were just talking casually and to be honest I wouldn't not be able to recall exactly what I said if you asked me now. but something I said during our conversations lifted his spirits. He kept thanking me for helping him. He expressed to me that he could pass happily because he had lived long enough see both of his daughters grow up and marry good men. I was honored to hear he was proud of me and I told him I would continue for as long as I could. I'm glad my words helped him but I only wish words could cure cancer or stop good people from passing.
In his final months Joe and I had several talks about the nature of life & death, during these conversations Joe confided in me that he only had months to live. He also confided in me about his fears for the family after his own passing. We talked about my views on mortality and what I felt it must be like to know your going to die. I wouldn't learn till days later how deeply my words affected him. In my mind we were just talking casually and to be honest I wouldn't not be able to recall exactly what I said if you asked me now. but something I said during our conversations lifted his spirits. He kept thanking me for helping him. He expressed to me that he could pass happily because he had lived long enough see both of his daughters grow up and marry good men. I was honored to hear he was proud of me and I told him I would continue for as long as I could. I'm glad my words helped him but I only wish words could cure cancer or stop good people from passing.
Joseph Mace Sept 13 1949 - March 22 2007
You will Be Missed!
