I remember when Kelly & I first learned God would bless us with a child. Two unmarried, 17 year olds weren't sure what to do. But our love for him started right then. We couldn't have asked for a better child. When God entrusted us with Joey, He began to orchestrate the beautiful family we would become. Joey was about 10 months old when we were married and he gave me away, along with my dad. A few years later, he asked if we could pick up a baby at the grocery store because he wanted a brother or sister. Receiving the joyous news that we'd be blessed with a daughter, Joey asked if we could name her Cookie. But he was such a good and caring big brother to Tajen, even though she wasn't named after food. I will always remember what a funny little kid he was. Whether it was getting words mixed up, like asking for a 'case-a-diarrhea' when he wanted a quesadilla; or saying 'you know what's weird?' for the thousandth time, before sharing some random thought, interesting fact or something he'd read or watched. Joey was always so helpful with chores, mowing the lawn, stacking & bringing in firewood, or whatever it was we needed. He often showed what a wise, old soul he was and what a big, loving heart he had. He'd also been working at the Stringfellow's ranch for almost three years and it suited him well, as he loved the outdoors. While he was involved in Culinary Arts at school, the most cooking he did at home was to make rabbit dishes from the brush bunnies he shot in the yard. He and Kelly enjoyed countless times together fishing, hunting, four-wheeling and target practicing. As a family, we have many memories to treasure of camping and road trips, family outings and gatherings and visiting Kelly in different places while he was working on the road. Joey asked Jesus into his heart while visiting his grandparents' church one Sunday when he was around 11 or 12. After I recommitted my life to Christ a couple years later & we started attending Calvary Chapel, it was like Joey had been starving for the Lord. He became passionate for God and wished for all his friends & loved ones to know Him through a personal relationship, like he did. The best and most important thing I could have ever done as his mother was to encourage him in the Lord. And I'm so glad I did, so that during this time of loss, I might find some comfort in knowing Joey is walking with Jesus in Heaven for all eternity. We'll be seeing him there again, and I'm already looking forward to that glorious reunion. Every precious moment we had with him will be cherished until we see him again. He was my sweet boy, my favorite son, my Sloppy Joe. He was born awesome and never changed.