Joel Des Jardins Obituary

Happy Birthday Dad,
I thank you and Mom for the blessings that you have given us this year. I would not have gotten through these tough times without your guidance.

All of us are relatively in good health, age does come with quirks. Three of your children are back in Illinois now. It is nice that family is together.

I am wishing you and Mom all the best and thanking you for watching over us.

Miss you so much,
Jenna

Hi Dad and Mom,
It is that time again. November has so many memories of you. What with Thanksgiving and your anniversary you have been on my mind quite a lot.
The twins are doing pretty well overall. Work can be crazy as you know, but all of the kids are doing well. Joe and Sam moved into a new apartment and got a dog. Things are status quo with them. They will be over for Thanksgiving.

As for me I am working on your house, dealing with work and juggling many different appointments. Generally I am feeling pretty well. I have finished all of my Christmas decorations, I just need to complete Mom's. This weekend I would like to be completely finished. Dan is well, he has been such a rock for me as I have been dealing with all the balls that I have in the air.

It would be so good to have your advice on many of the different things that I am dealing with. Your take on what is going on in the world would no doubt be informative as well as entertaining. I would have liked to be more profound and detailed, but this is really a crazy time for me, and I just cannot get all of my many thoughts together. I know you are always there for us and I jus want to say again how much you are missed and how much we love you,

Happy Birthday Dad and Hi Mom,
I thought about writing sooner, but things are a bit too fresh for me to hit mom´s special days. So I guess I will talk to you both now.

It is almost Easter. Sam and Joe will be joining us. Joe is looking better and taking his health seriously which I like to see. I have been dealing with my duties for being in charge of the house. I am also at my busiest time of the year with all of the paperwork that I have to do for school. Dan is doing well and thriving in his new job. The twins as far as I know are fine. I do not hear from them as often as you did Mom.

I have talked to Ken and Mary, Heidi, and Sue emailed me today in honor of your day Dad.

I have been making candy for the holiday, it is gluten free and Dan´s niece can eat it, tell Nana I made her favorite.

Love and miss you guys so much,
Jenna

Hi Dad and Mom,
I should have set up a page for you too mom, there may be one, so we will chat more come your upcoming birthday.

What can I tell you? You are missed terribly, the holidays will just be different.
Julie is good in Arizona, the house is nice and she is settling in to the new desert life style. Jory has her hands in a few pots while the one she is really tending to starts to boil. I have not talked to them as much, since mom has been hanging out with you.
Joe and Sam are in the house. They are working on Joe getting healthy. They will be over on Thanksgiving with us.
Dan is loving his new job. He is excited again about working. I just feel like I get older all the time and that my life does not really change. I work, go home, and start over again. The kids are still fun and I enjoy being with them, but the scheduling and paperwork is what is making me look forward to retiring. There have been some additional responsibilities that I have to take on since mom is hanging out with you. I feel like I need to represent for you and mom, regarding extended family, so I have chatted with several Aunts and Uncles.
We miss you,
All my love,
Jenna

Hi Dad it is almost your birthday. Time for me to fill you in. I am sure that Mom is with you at this time. Saturday we will have a lot of people over to celebrate. Three of your siblings and some of their children, and one of mom's and one of their children. We are expecting more than 30 people. It will be happy and sad at the same time.

I am fine for the most part. I miss you guys like crazy. Good thing my husband keeps me balanced. I am sure mom filled you in on that. They always got along well.

I hope that you guys will be watching the get together on Saturday, it has been awhile that everyone has been together like this.
Give my love to you and mom.
Happy Birthday Dad

Hi hon....Happy Anniversary! I see Jenna has kinda filled you in. A lot of craziness, but we´re all doing okay....and of course we miss you. I think of you so often and we reminisce about old times a lot.

I hope you´ve been able to watch us from above and shared a few laughs with us.

Lots of love,
Joy

Hi Dad,
It is that time of year again. The holidays come by and I think of all of the times that you are missed.

Dietz and I are good. Loving our life, not so much our jobs, but that is pretty typical at our ages.

Joe and Sam are living with mom now. Long story on why, but let me just say that landlords are not always fair. The idea of the three living together brings a campy 80's sitcom feeling to mind. So far everyone is getting along and all is good.

The twins and the kids are pretty good from what I have been told. Peanut is in college now. Can you imagine your first grandchild in college. She has turned out to be a remarkable young woman.

That is everything in a very compact nutshell for you. Again, I think of you often during this time. I wonder what you would make of the politics and happenings going on in the world. I can imagine all of the discussions that we would be having on everything.
We miss you Dad!

Happy Birthday hon! We all think about you often with love and laughter. We miss you! I can´t imagine how you would react to all that´s going on in this world, but I know you´d certainly have a lot to say.

The kids are all fine and very busy. A lot going on in their lives, and I´m so proud of all of them hon. They are such good people....and that means the most to me. Your grandkids are growing up way too quickly. No babies anymore. I´m doing okay....just a lot slower and achier than I use to be.

Keep watching hon...and know that we love and miss you. Happy Birthday sweetie.

Love,
Joy

Hey Dad,
Happy Birthday!
The latest update on me. I am still teaching in person, but to do so I had to get my fourth booster and have to wear a mask at all times around the kiddos, who may or may not be masked. The sweet thing is that all of my kiddos choose to wear one for me. They may be a bit lax elsewhere, but when they are with me they are very good at keeping it on for my benefit. Dan is good. He has done an amazing job at rolling with all of the punches that our school district has thrown at him. He is one of the best people I know. You guys would have really gotten along.
Julie and Jory are both in jobs that they enjoy. The munchkins are growing up so fast. Joe and Sam are good overall. They see mom the most. Mom is planning on writing to you as well, but I will say that she is doing fine. Not as active as I would like, but in decent health overall.
Nothing too exciting here at this time Dad. Easter is coming up and Dan will be making dinner for all of us in Illinois. We wish you were here Dad.
Love you,
Jenna

Hi hon, thinking about you at this time of year....especially on our anniversary, the 9th. Crazy days happening. The kids are fine, but they all are dealing with their own crazy things. I´m okay....just slowed up a LOT. We all love you and think of you all the time. Love, Joy

Hi hon...tomorrow is your birthday. We think about you all the time and have many laughs reminiscing over the years with you. The kids are well and very busy with work, projects and other things. There is a lot going on for everyone right now, and I often wonder how you would be dealing with it. One thing I know....you would be so proud of the kids. Each and every one of them are beautiful people....loving, smart, generous, kind and compassionate souls....every one of them. We’re so lucky. We did something right!

Your grandkids are growing up way too quickly. Joy (Bella) will be 18. Bastian will be 15 in a few days. Olive is 10, and Violet is 8. They all are hysterical in their own way....and make me laugh all the time.

I’m fine, but a LOT slower than I use to be. I miss you sweetie. Again, Happy Birthday. Hope you’ve been watching. Love, Joy ❤

Well Happy Birthday Dad!
I am still teaching remotely, though my district is doing a hybrid remote and in person learning. I am now back in my old school and remote. My caseload has gone form 17 kids, to now 6. It is very interesting and I do not know what next year will hold yet. I have 8 more years before I can retire. Dan is good and taking great care of me. You would really like him I think.

As of now Joe , Dan and myself have become fully vaccinated and mom will be in two weeks, Sam will be in three. We were pretty lucky. The twins are still waiting to be in line for it. The one time that being old, having health concerns, and being a public employee has its advantages to being healthy and young.

We will be celebrating Easter on Saturday, since I have an infusion on Sunday. It will just be the five of us I think and maybe Dan's parents, but probably not. We generally get together once a month, since we all are distancing, but now with the vaccine, maybe we will see each other more often. Dan is looking forward to hosting barbecues again this summer. I hope to see the nieces and nephew, and I guess my sisters. We will see.

I do not have that much to say at this time. The world is still crazy and I think of you often when I watch the news; wondering what you would think.
I miss you dad,
Love you always,
Jenna

Happy Anniversary (tomorrow) hon,
Thinking about you and wishing you were here to see all the craziness going on. You’d definitely have a lot to say. The kids are good....insanely busy one way or another.

Jen and Dan are good and everyone loves their house. We go there to relax and have some good laughs. Jen is really busy with teaching school....she’s so good at it. Julie is good....busy with a few projects and thinking about a 6th book. Jory is working hard at a new job...really time consuming, but it’s not like she hasn’t been there before. Joe is fine....had a few medical things going on, but is doing really well now. But the really good news is that Joe and Sam got married a few weeks ago. Small and quiet...and at Jen’s house on her deck. Really nice day.

We miss you hon....

Love,
Joy

Hi Dad,
It is November and election day. I would love to know what you would be thinking today. You were always able to make sense, or explain things to me so that I understood them and were able to make up my own mind, of what I think is so crazy about the issues. I think you would be reveling in the chance to debate and argue your opinions. Oddly, I miss that. I know I was so not a fan of being on the other side of your debates, but I would give anything to hear you debate again. Enough about the crazy of today.
I am teaching remotely these days. It is very different and a lot of work to do. I am stretched between three buildings, and all of the video meeting that I have to do is pretty tiring. Some students are in hybrid, but I am not sure for how long that this is going to continue.
Sam and Joe got married...on my back deck. Mom was there and Joe's good friend. Everyone else was through a video meeting. Joe is feeling much better since the surgery, and is back to work.
Julie and Jory are good. I can never fully explain what it is that they are doing these days. I think that you would find it very interesting and would better understand it than I do.
Mom is good. She has been pretty healthy for her. I would like for her to exercise more, but that is a continuing battle.
I have a meeting to get to, but I was not sure how long it will take to get this posted, so I started early.
I miss you Dad!

Hi hon.....Happy Birthday tomorrow. I know I'm early, but as I get older I sometimes do things earlier because I don't want to forget.

We're all fine despite an unprecedented virus pandemic that we....and the whole world are going through right now. I can only imagine how you'd feel dealing with all of it. The kids and I are following guidelines to help contain things....and everyone is praying for things to get back to normal for all of us. It actually seems surreal.

So much has been going on with the kids....suffice to say they are ALL busy with the things in their lives. Jen has kinda filled you in on everyone. I can't tell you how PROUD I am of every one if them. They are such good people hon. Hope you've been watching.

We miss you always and often talk about you with love and laughter. Happy Birthday again sweetie.

All my love,
Joy

Hi Dad and happy birthday.

I cannot begin to tell you about all the craziness that is going on in the world. I am sure that if you were still around you would be telling me of historical times when the world faced similar challenges and how we have it better than the people in the past. You were always good at putting things into perspective.

Dan and I are good. I am teaching from home, but do not know for how long yet. We take it week by week. Both of us are good.

The California sibs are doing well. Julie is working with some ladies in a new company doing what she enjoys. Her book came out in January. I enjoyed it and found it quite interesting. Jory and the fam are fine. Some work hiccups, but it is Jory we are talking about and she is a dynamo.

Joe is good and Sam is doing some freelance work so all is well with my local sib.

Which leads up to mom. Mom is good. She was already in a stay placement. With the exception of an errand or two she did not leave the house. Joe sees her on his days off, and she is frequently on the phone or facetime with her daughters.

I miss you Dad. The world has seemed to have gotten crazier since you left. You must be chuckling about it up there. Love you

Hi Dad,

I am sorry for the delay. I have been trying to submit this since the 14th of November, but hopefully it will go through now. It has been 14 years now dad. Even though you are not here, I still see you as we celebrate the holidays. I think about how you would react to our discussions and what you would be like at our gatherings, and then realize that I am only imagining things and miss the reality of your absence. However, I know that you preferred it when I was not as emotional, so I will get down to business now.

Dietz and and I love our house and love being married, but are very frustrated with work. We are counting the years til we can retire. I was told I have 10 more years, I was hoping for 8. Dietz has 8. Hey if you have any pull we would love to win the lottery, that would possibly get us both out sooner.

Jory has a new job with Amazon, which I think she likes. There is a lot of travel, but she is doing more of what she wants to do with this position than she did in the last one. The girls are great, they are truly growing into the adults that they will be. We will get to see Julie and the kids for Christmas. Julie has a new job where she is doing more with her historical knowledge. Both mom and I are very happy about that. Joe and Sam are officially engaged. I do not know when or what kind of wedding they will have (I do not think either does Joe), but whatever happens it will be fine. Sam lost her job, but she has her feelers out for a new one.

Mom is good. Her health is a lot better now than it was at this time last year. She will be attending Thanksgiving.

Anyway Dad I should wrap this up, I have an infusion (yes, I am still doing them) coming up this morning and I need to get ready to leave soon.
I love you and miss you. Talk to you later,
Jenna

Tomorrow will be 14 years since you left us....I miss you. I miss your craziness and how you made us all laugh. I miss your brilliance, your humor, your articulate voice and your beautiful hazel eyes. I miss how you made us all think. Fourteen years....hard to believe. My love, Joy xoxo

Happy Anniversary Hon! It would have been 51 years today....WOW! I think of you often....we all do. You've missed so much with the kids...I hope you've been watching. You are always in our hearts.

Lots of love,
Joy xoxo

Hi hon....Happy Birthday! I won't go into all of it, but the past six months have been a little insane and surreal for me. Some health issues going on. I've gotten past the worst of it....I think, but still doing some follow-up. Jen and Joe, being close by, have really been incredible adjusting their time to help me out. We sure have done something right with our kids....all four of them.

Jen is crazy busy with teaching...and she's such a wonderful example of what a good teacher should be. She and Dan are working on things for their new house...which is really beautiful. You'd love it...especially the basement and the gazebo...really cool. You'd also love Dan...a lot of similarities with you. Good guy and a hard worker.

Julie is constantly looking for extra work to do. She's busy with some side projects, and she's finishing up her 5th book. You'd love her stuff...and you'd have a lot to chat with her about. Joy (Bella) and Bastian are doing well...adjusting to their new schools and growing so fast. Those two have two very unique personalities...and very different from each other. You'd love the project Bastian is working on now...building his own computer. He's so curious about everything...remind you of anyone? Joy will be 16 in July and Bastian turns 13 the first of April. God! Julie and Chris are busy...doing well. Chris is one of the hardest workers I've ever seen...such a good guy.

Jory is crazy busy...as usual. She has her hands in a few things and works like crazy. Amazing how she handles it all...and the kids too. She kills me. Jesse is the perfect dad...we're very lucky to have him. You would absolutely love Olive and Violet...so unique and distinct little personalities too. They make us all laugh so much...and bright as can be. Olive is 8 and Vi is 6.

And Joe....he's good, but has had a crappy bad back for a while now. He just deals with it...kinda like you. He's such a great guy Joel...so funny and generous and caring. He's still at the police station...not always loving it, but he's so good at what he does. He and Sam are loving their new townhouse....it's really great! Maybe a little too many stairs for me...but so cool. You'd love Joe's'man cave'....right up your alley. Sam is wonderful...loving, sweet, thoughtful and fun. You'd like her.

We all miss you and often talk about you and when you were here challenging everyone in one way or another. Happy Birthday again hon....

My love always,
Joy xoxo

Hi Dad,
Things are going along here. Dietz and I are working on finishing up our basement. I think you would have approved. We have your John Wayne statue up with a bottle of Canadian Club overlooking the bar in your honor. We have a poker table that is coming in June, and we want to get an arcade game as well. That is not really up your alley, but it is a piece of our adolescence that we wanted to recapture, so to speak. I think you would like our house. I think you would have liked my husband. There are some similarities between you two ( love of history especially military, drinking, storytelling). You would be great drinking buddies. Work is going along, nothing exciting there.

Mom had a very large stone removed. What she thought might have been outpatient became a four day stay at the hospital. We have a follow up tomorrow, and need to schedule a minor appointment to shock the remaining shards, and then hopefully that will be all for mom for awhile. She is done with doctors, she says.

Joe and Sam are good. Julie and the family may be going to South Africa in June. Jory and the girls are coming here in July.

Overall Dad we are good, the world is crazy, but we at this time are good. I miss you.

Love,
Jenna

Hi hon,

I see that Jenna has talked to you. I can't tell you how wonderful she has been through this really rough time in my life. This infection sure took me by surprise. As hard as it has been, the kids have made it better more than anything. Jen and Joe are here all the time...making me and everyone else laugh. And Julie and Jory call all the time. They scheduled a cleaning service to come to the house tomorrow to clean the house before I come home. Jen will be there. Joe will be there too because Ron is coming to repair the hot water heater....Geesh. I'm suppose to go home at the end of the month. I'll be a little shaky I'm sure, but I'll be so glad to be home. The people here at the rehab facility are all so nice and helpful.

Yeah, Jen's swamped with school stuff through all of this and getting ready to have Thanksgiving. They're bringing me my Thanksgiving dinner the next day....so sweet. You'd love Jen and Dan's house....it's so warm and beautiful.

Joe is good. He and Sam are renting a beautiful apartment and have made it very homey. You'd love his man cave'....so much like him. I think you'd like Sophie too....their dog. Joe's still a sports nut...like me, and we watch the Bears games together.

Jory is crazy busy with her new job. It's pretty demanding and exhausting. She's amazing how she makes things work. It's very hectic right now, and she tries to fit in stuff for Olive and Violet too. She's really doing a wonderful job....she's a good mom. Olive and Violet are adorable....and hilarious. They make me laugh all the time. You'd love them.

And Julie....working on her 5th book; which I will love. She sent me a rough draft to read and I was loving it until all this crazy stuff happened with me. She hands in her final draft at the end of the year....and it is set to publish in the spring or fall of next year. So proud of her hard work...and getting what needs to be done with Joy (that's what Bella wants to be called now) and Bastian. To say she's busy would be an understatement. She too is a really good mom. And Joy and Bastian....wow.....what two very distinct and amazing personalities. I'm loving when Julie fills me in on them.

Nana....I din't even know what to say. What a beautiful, strong and loved woman she was. My heart broke when she finally took her last breath. How I loved her....as we all did. How blessed you were to have such an amazing mother....how blessed we all were to have her.

Well hon, I could go on forever....and I have. We all miss you so much. I think of you every day. There's always something that reminds me of you. Keep watching over us.

Love you so much....
Joy ❤

HI Dad,
Well it has been one crazy year. Where do I start? Let us start with my siblings. Jory got a new job, she travels a lot with it. Julie is writing another book, and Joe moved in to a place with his girlfriend Samantha.

Mom got Sepsis, but they got to it before any real damage was done. ( I know I have already talked to you about this, but you know just in case). She was in the hospital for a week and has been in rehab to get therapies and intravenous antibiotics for 5 or 6 more weeks ( I lost count). She is going home very soon, but that is why she is not writing to you at this time. Of course she may surprise me and do so on her IPad.

I got married this summer in Vegas. We kind of just went through with it while we were there. There were a couple of reasons why. I am not a fan of being the center of attention, which a formal wedding would make me. We just put a deck and gazebo on the house, so the cost was not what we wanted to spend at this time, and because Nana was sick ( and since she is there with you and Papa now, you already know) that she passed away in August; she knew that I got married before she left us here. I wanted her to know, and give her one less thing to have to try to hold on for. She went peacefully in her sleep.

It has been a wild ride since I last chatted with you in this medium. I have pretty much caught you up to date. I would continue with this, but I have a conference to go to, and then to go see Mom.

I love you Dad, you are missed every day.

Hi Dad,
Happy Birthday. We are loving our house. We survived our holiday hosting. The biggest get together that we hosted was 58 people. I have learned to relax when hosting. We are getting a bar for the basement, I know that you would have loved it. We are also getting all new windows and we want to build a deck this summer. A lot of house perfecting going on.
Joe and Sam are going to be cohabitating starting in April. They are renting a townhouse in Morton Grove, so they are still close to Mom. However, Mom has made it out here on many occasions on her own, so I think she will be fine with the slight distance. She never went to Joe's before, but now, with less stairs maybe she will.
Jory and the kids will be in town around the 4th of July. They will finally get to see the house. I do not know when the next time I will see Julie and the kids will be.
Mom is good. I wish she would move more, but hey at least the underwear is on the inside of the clothes, so all is good.
I am learning my way around here, and school is school. New administration is pretty nice at this time, but we will see if there is still a honeymoon period next year. All in all, Dad, I miss you and wonder what you would think with what is going on in the world politically and all. It is a time to discuss and debate, yet people do not want to hear the other side. You would probably love it, because you would force discussion, no matter how much discomfort and you would play both sides. You would have your beliefs, but you were still able to play the other side if need be. I see that part of you in me. I may not agree, but I understand why people may think what they think, which allows me to be the happy medium that I am. Thank you for that.
Happy birthday again Dad,
Til next time,
All my love,
Jenna

Well, I'm a day late...but Happy Birthday hon. Joe posted Happy Birthday to you on his Facebook page.

Everyone is doing well. Jen and Dan's new home is wonderful...and I go out there often...it's very warm and welcoming. They are very busy with work and doing things to the house.

Jory and Julie are as busy as ever...but doing fine. The kids are all growing up so fast...I can't believe it sometimes. Joe is good and he and Sam will be moving into a beautiful townhouse next month. They are excited and Sam is so terrific...she's perfect for Joe.

I'm fine too....just getting old and lazy.

Thinking of you always...Happy Birthday sweet guy.

Love,
Joy

Hi hon,

I don't know what happened to the message I sent to you a couple of days ago....never showed up. But, we are all fine and miss you all the time.

Jen has filled you in on what's going on with the new home she and Dan have. It's lovely, and very cozy and warm.

Jen is busy with school and constantly amazes me with everything she takes on. She's such a great teacher....and Special Ed is so tough these days. She's the perfect teacher for these kids.

Julie is in the middle of writing her 5th book...with a 6th one in the wings. I have read what she has sent me to look over....it's wonderful, and I can't wait for this book to come out...next year. The 6th book...you would love it. It's about women in the depression and as part of her research she interviewed Nana for several hours. It is truly amazing what she remembers in detail at 100 years old about that time in her life. She's something else. Julie's got a few other projects going on and of course is really busy with Joy and Bastian. You wouldn't believe how big they've gotten.

Jory is as busy as ever since she sold her Women's Internet business. She's doing consulting for companies and has started other ones. Ideally she wants to land at something she feels is perfect for her; but until then she's constantly running all over the place. She too is really busy with Olive and Violet and all they are into.

Joe is good and busy with work at the police station. He and Sam are doing well...she really is a wonderful girl.. You'd like her. Joe is constantly making us all laugh...even at my expense; which is usually the case. He's a riot.

Well, I hope this message goes through hon...we miss you and love you.

Love,
Joy

Hi Dad,
Well it is that time again. It is still very strange not having you here during the holidays. I miss hearing your laugh and even your "sage" advice.

Dietz and I bought a house. It is in Arlington Heights. Not as close to Mom as I wanted, but she has adjusted well to the move. She even comes over to visit by herself, which is impressive since it is outside her typical driving area. It has four bedrooms and two and 1/2 baths. The yard is pretty big and we only have one neighbor. We are currently working on the basement. It is really starting to feel like home and we love it.
We will be hosting the holidays this year starting with Thanksgiving for both of our immediate families. The twins will be in California this winter, but Mom and Joe and Sam will be there. We will also volunteer to have the DJ's over for Christmas Eve, and then again host the immediate families over for Christmas Day. Dietz is very eager to cook for everyone. I am a little more reserved and start thinking about the logistics of things. We have the space to have large gatherings, but I want to make sure that we have enough food and dishes, etc... We balance out each other that way. I think that you would have really liked Dietz. Besides that you both enjoy pontificating after a few drinks, and history, in particular military history, Dietz has a good head on his shoulders much like you. I am sure that you will be with us in spirit as well as always in our hearts.
Love you much Dad,
Jenna

Happy Birthday hon. I hope you've been watching over us from above. I'm fine...achy, old, and crabby...so yes, fine. I'm a lot slower these days, but still going. I miss you!

Jenna is fine and counting down the days when this school year is over. It's been a crazy one for her...challenging her patience in so many ways; but she is amazing as you would probably guess. I'm so proud of the person she is....and what a great teacher! She and Dan are looking at houses. I'd love for them to be close to me, but don't know if that will happen. Saying prayers.

Julie and the gang are now living in CA. She's only about 40 minutes from Jory, so they get to see a lot more of each other now. You know I love that! Julie's working on two new books....she kills me. Also trying to get a good job that she would really like. Leaving teaching has been tough on her, but she's keeping herself open to other things too. She's got a few things on the fire....plus, she runs herself ragged with the kids too. Bastian will be going to another school this next school year, and They are looking into the same for Bella (who wants to be called Joy now....so we do.). They are fine.

Jory....where do I begin? She's busier than ever. She's started a new company for entrepreneurial women. She's also doing consulting and working with several other companies...she's always running somewhere....I'm not sure I can explain everything she's doing. And of course, she too is running all over for Olive and Violet.....who by the way, are as cute as can be, and hysterically funny. They're doing great.

And Joe...he's good...spending as much time with Sam as possible with his work schedule. Things at the police station are fine....crazy at times, but he's really good at his job. He and Sam are looking to move in together maybe this time next year....and they're planning to stay close to me....yay! I wish ALL my kids were here...close to me. You'd love Sam....she is sweet, loving and has a beautiful personality. We all love her.

I can't tell you how proud I am of all four of our kids hon.... they are special people....every one of them. ❤

Your mom turned in January. I know...amazing huh? We had a little party for her....she inspires us all so much.

Well, that's about it sweetie....keep watching over us. We all miss you and think of you all the time. Happy Birthday

Love forever,
Joy

Hi Dad,
Happy Birthday. So, the new news for me is that Dietz and I have been approved for a home loan, and are actively looking for a house. The not so great news is that due to how much we want to spend, in order to have it paid off by the time we retire, being near mom may not be feasible. I have mom praying for us to win the lottery, any help I can get from you too would be lovely.
Joe is good. He is thinking of moving in with Samantha next year. Jory and the kids are doing well. Olive is being asked to move to a higher reading group, and Violet is doing great in pre-school. Julie and Chris have settled into California. Bastian got into several private schools and Bella (Joy) is doing her thing and is exploring her religious options. So much like me at her age. What can I say about Mom, she is doing pretty well too. I will let her fill you in more about that.
Nana turned 100 this year. She looks so frail, but she is still very whippy.
I hope all is well with you. I miss you Dad.

Hi hon,

Tomorrow will be 11 years since you've been gone. Hard to believe. We miss you and wonder how you'd feel with the incredibly crazy political time we are going through right now. I can only imagine what you'd have to say.

Kids are all good...and grandkids too. Both Jory and Julie are now living in California....and close to each other, so they see a lot more of each other now. I really like that. They are both as busy as ever if you can believe it. Julie is checking out extra employment and isn't ruling out teaching again....and she's working on two more books. That child needs to keep busy. As does Jory....she's started another company and has her hands in several other ventures. Amazing. Jen is crazy with her teaching and is worn out every day, but she is truly amazing hon. She's such a great teacher....and her students are SO lucky to have her. She really knows what she's doing....and Special Ed is so hard to deal with sometimes. She and Dan are looking for a house together. I'd love it to be close to me....we'll see. Joe and Sam are doing well. They are so funny together....nice match for Joe. He's good with the emergency dispatching at the police dept....but it often drives him crazy. I see him on his days off...and he harasses me....you'd be proud. I'm so proud of all of them hon....what GREAT propel they are. WE DID GOOD!!!! Hope you're watching.

Miss your craziness....and love you,
Joy ❤

Hi Dad,

It is November once again and in two days will be the anniversary of losing you. So many crazy things have been going on. Donald Trump won the Presidency over Hilary Clinton. Two candidates that did absolutely nothing for me. There was not an independent candidate that I liked either. I thought of writing you in, but I backed down at the last minute. You would've been much better than either of them. I am nervous about will be happening with the future of our country. I miss hearing your commentary and would be very curious about what you think and if you would have voted Republican or not.

On happier news, Dan and I are going to be looking for a house. I am hoping close to Mom, because I think it will make her feel better, and this way people can crash at our house too over the holidays. It is about time that we move in together..it has been 10 years after all.

No one is coming for the holidays this year, Julie is going to South Africa with the family. Jory is staying put in California.

I plan on seeing the DJ's this winter though. Nicole, Mark's eldest is getting married in January and Nana is turning 100.

Well that is all I can say right now. I have to go get students ready for the bus.

I miss you dad, Much love always.
Jenna

Hi Dad,
Happy Birthday. You would have been 71 this year. What has been happening? Well, Julie is moving with the family in June to California, not too far from Jory.

Dan and I should be starting to look for houses next year, school year I think. I do not know where we will be living, somewhere between Wheeling and Skokie. Skokie would be alright, but it is a bit pricey for what we want, so whatever gives us he biggest bang for the buck. I am looking forward to that, though I have so much to pack and get rid of. No stressing until the time comes.

The holidays were great everyone was a hoot. The kids are growing like weeds.

I think that you would be amused about the possible choices for President that will be coming up. I wonder what you would think. I have told myself not to stress about that either, until the two candidates are selected, then we will see. I am not thrilled with the selection to date. I think that you would be loving this time though. What with the world today and your theories and need to debate.

We miss you Dad. There is not much else to say for me, maybe Mom has more. Happy Birthday again.

Happy Birthday hon....

Yesterday was Easter...Jen, Dan, Joe and Sam were here. Played cards and ate...lots of laughs. We think about you all the time....and have a lot of laughs too. Did some facetime with Jory and the babes. They are so cute and funny. I wish you would have had the change to know them.

Kids are all good...very busy. Jen and I are going to see Nana tomorrow...and Heidi comes in this week, so we'll see her too.

Happy 71 Joel...

Love,
Joy xoxo

Hi hon...hard to believe that yesterday it was 10 years since you've been gone. You are remembered quite fondly by us all. Heidi and John were just in town and Heidi says she feels your presence every time she does crossword puzzles.

I see that Jen has filled you in pretty well about everyone. The kids are all good....and very busy. Xmas will be crazy again with everyone coming here. Outside of figuring out where everyone will sleep, etc. I'm really excited to have them ALL here so I can hug and kiss them as much as possible.

Have been slowly getting a few things repaired on this old house. I pick and choose my battles.

Nana will hopefully be with us for Xmas eve...although she always tells everyone that she's definitely ready to leave this earth any time now. Almost 99....amazing. She's hilarious....and we all love her to death. And that's how she'll finally exit....being loved to death.

Thanksgiving will be here with Jen and Dan and Joe and Sam. You'd like Sam...she's really great. And Dan is very much like you in many ways....I think you'd really enjoy him.

I hope you have been watching from above to see how really wonderful your kids and grandkids are. I can't tell you how proud I am of ALL of them. They make my life beautiful.

We miss you....always.

Love you hon....
Joy xoxo

Hey Dad,

It is November again. Today it makes 10 years. It is a good thing that we update you bi-yearly, or else this could become a small novella. I am at work right now, waiting for the day to start. What can I tell you.

Dietz proposed to me on Mother's Day. We are in no rush, it has been nine years now, but want to get a house first. Everyone was very happy for me. I showed Nana first after Mom, Joe, and the Twins. She could not see it, but she was happy for us. I am glad that he followed through with it.

Julie is going to move to California for Chris's work. They put a bid on a house. Now the twins will be togetherish, about an hour away.

Jory is trying to find what she wants to do next since the three women sold Blogher.

Joe has been dating the same person, Samantha, for a year now.

Mom is good, she is in good health and spends time with Joe when he is not working.

This Christmas we are all going to be together. Everyone is coming here. I think that we will have Christmas Eve with the whole Illinois DJ clan. That should be a blast. We usually reminisce about you and Papa.

Well, that sums it up from me. I am sure that Mom will get to you soon.
Love you Dad

Happy Birthday hon...I see that Jen's been here and filled you in on what's going on with her. Yeah, she's had a difficult teaching year, but always handles things no matter what. She's a really terrific teacher no matter what circumstance she's in. Now I just want her to go back to something more comfortable and less stressful.

Joe is good and dating a really nice girl. He's always keeping us in stitches...unfortunately I'm often the one who takes the brunt of his comedy. He's such a good guy Joel. Julie's good...and always so busy. Running everywhere for kids' things and even though she's stepped away from teaching she's always writing. Her fourth book is coming out later this year...and she's been working on her next one. You'd love the one coming out. It's about Walter Camp...the man who founded football. Jory is crazy busy too especially with the merger of her company with another. Travels quite a bit, but tries not to when she can because she misses the girls. Those girls are so cute hon....God you'd love them. We'll see them in a couple of days...yay. Jenna's baking her butt off for them.

I'm fine. Old and fat, sore and achy, tired and cranky...so yeah, I'm fine. I think of you all the time and miss you...we all do. Happy Birthday sweetie.

Love,
Joy xo

Well Dad,
It is that time of year again. Happy Birthday!!. I am doing this two days early, because the last few times that I did this it would not go through and I was late. Well, I do not want to be late.

What can I tell you. School is going along. I am anxiously counting the days. This has not been my favorite year so far. I have the behavior class, and it is exhausting and draining. It is very hard dealing with irrational all of the time, being understaffed and not having breaks. I am hoping that I can go back and do resource like I did last year.

Dietz is planning on talking to you at some point, I am hoping much sooner than later. I have been pushing for a ring and an engagement. I cannot explain it Dad. I think he wants this, but on his own time. I am feeling like 8 years is more than enough time. However, he wants to ask you first, go figure. I do not think that you will say no. I am hoping that the next time I write that this will be a done deal.

Jory and the girls will be coming to visit before Easter. I am excited about it and so is Mom. They are a hoot.

I do not have much more to say. Mom will be filing you in on things as well, I would think. I think of you often.
Love you,

Well Dad,
It is that time of year again. You are constantly in my thoughts, what with the Marine Corps birthday and your anniversary. Your absence is felt so greatly this month. And next month too, if I am to be honest.

We will be hosting your family for Christmas Eve. Nana, Heidi and John, Paul and Jill, with Dana and her family, Mark and Jill, Stephanie and Matt, Nicole and Daniel. Jory will be there to with Olive, Violet and Jess. I am sure that you will be talked about a lot along with Papa.

School is crazy. I was just observed the other day, and I am hoping that I will not be graded down for the current behavioral population that I am working with. I am not sure that I like this path my career is taking. Not so much because of the children, but because I feel like there is no support and I am constantly being told to do things that are not easy to do, without any guidance, and then when they do not work out to expectations, I get questioned on what I could be doing differently. Where were those suggestions at the beginning. It is just crazy. I miss what I was doing, and do not feel like I am being the most productive that I can be.

That is neither here nor there now Dad. I will have some turkey for you this Thanksgiving. Miss you Dad

Happy Anniversary hon. It would have been 46 years. Yikes! Kids are all good...and very busy. Grandkids are getting big. Bella is 11, smart and beautiful. Bastian is 8, cute, and a complete hoot. Olive is 4, beautiful and talks better than me. Violet is 2, cute as a button, and makes us laugh. They all are very special.
Think of you often.
Love,
Joy xo

Happy Father's Day hon. We miss you.

Love,
Joy xo

Hi Dad,
Happy birthday, you would have been 69 today. So much is going on. My job position is changing again. Jory is coming in town with the kids. Julie will be in town in August. Joe is dating. Mom is learning new technology. You would be amazed at all of the changes in technology that have occurred. I wrote to you last night, but it is not posting. It is important to me not to miss this day.
Happy Birthday Dad,
I miss you.

Hi hon...Happy Birthday. We all think of you...and have lots of laughs doing it. We all are good. Had a terrible winter here...finally seeing signs of spring...I hope.

Kids are good and dealing with what comes their way. You wouldn't believe how cute our grandkids are...Bella is 10, Bastian will be 8 in a few days, Olive is 3 and Violet is 1. You'd love listening and talking with them.

Your mom is doing well....97, God Bless her. So good to have her back here so we all can see her.

Miss you a lot....think of you often...

Love,
Joy xo

Well Dad,
Your birthday is tomorrow. You would have been 69? Wow, is that right? I am in busy mode currently, and I do not want to forget to write to you, so I thought that I would do so now. Where to begin...
They are changing my position again at school. Instead of a resource teacher they are giving me back a classroom and primary behavior children. I am a little anxious about this. It is an evaluation year for me, I will have a student teacher, and I am not a spring chicken anymore. I also have to move rooms again for the third year running. I am sure thought that things will work out fine.
Jory is coming into town next week with the girls. I cannot wait to see them. Olive is three and Violet is one. They are so funny. I am baking in preparation to the visit. Another reason that I am busy. I wish Julie would come too, but at least she will be here with the kids in August.
I have two meetings when I get back from break. That is another reason why I am so busy recently. I have had meeting after meeting and the paperwork and rescheduling are exhausting.
Joe is dating...he was seeing one girl, but it ended recently. He lost a bunch of weight and he looks great.
Mom is good, and she will probably be writing soon to fill you in as well. She has a new computer and a tablet. You would have loved the technology that has come around recently.
That is about all I have at this time dad. I am generally feeling well, not a big sleeper, but neither were you. I am still with Dietz, there may be changes to that relationship in the future, hopefully for the better.
I miss you Dad. I always will.
Talk to you later,
Love you.

Hi hon...

I see Jen's been here. Eight years....hard to believe. You come up in conversations quite often actually....humorously and fondly.

We had a very strange day on the 8th anniversary of your passing. Tornadoes all over the state....heavy rains, high winds, etc. I was nervous that the basement would get flooded; but it was fine. They even delayed the Bears game for a couple of hours...emptied out the stadium because of warnings. Weird. The Bears came back to win...you would have been proud.

Everyone is fine...Jen filled you in about that. The babes are all so cute...Bella is beautiful, Bastian has got more energy in one day than I have in a month. Olive is too adorable for words....and a real hoot. You would be crazy about her....she talks as well as any grown up. Violet is so sweet and cute....she's walking and just starting to talk too. I wish they all lived closer...I miss hugging and kissing them.

I wish they would have gotten a chance to know Grandpa DJ. Always thinking of you sweetie....

Lots of love,
Joy xo

Hi Dad,
It is hard to believe that it has been 8 years now, since you have been gone. I guess I am always going to say that. Sometimes it seems like it has only been moments since you passed and sometimes it feels like ages. Things change so much, and I am constantly wondering how you would have reacted to how the world has changed.

I have conversations with Dietz all the time, and I am so sad that you did not get to know him. He likes to try to educate me on history like you tried to. It never was and is still not my thing. You would have been a much better sounding board for him. He thinks I am like you though, because I can argue my point quite a bit. I tell him I am nowhere in the ballpark of you the arguing a point king. However, I must have learned something from the master.

Everyone is well. The kids are growing up like weeds and they are all beautiful, bright, and strong. Definite proof that they are descendants of yours. I saddens me that they will never know who you are. The character that was you. They will never watch you perform any magic tricks, which I loved watching you do when I was their age. I think that they would have mellowed you much the same way that you told us we mellowed Papa.

The hardest part is that they are so far away from Mom, Joe, and myself. We barely get to see them. Speaking of Joe, he lost about 110 pounds last I heard and has started to date more often. Who knows I may be posting more about him in the future.

Work is work, I love my kids, but administration has made it less fun. I am stretched pretty thin trying to assist my students within the general education setting. I am nowhere near as effective as I was when I was instructional.

I am sure that Mom will post later. She is well, but your absence has made quite a difference with her.

This time of year it's really hard not to miss you Dad. What with your anniversary, the Marine Corps Birthday, and your day I cannot help but be reminded about you so much.
I miss you Dad. I will talk to you later.
Love you,
Jenna

Hi Dad,
Happy Birthday! I look back and see that my last post did not show up. I was late posting in November, but I did post. Well, hopefully this one will post.
This has not been a stellar year so far for me. I got a stone and a kidney infection which took me out for my birthday through to Valentine's Day. That was no fun. Then I came out of remission for a week and a half. Hopefully things are back in check and I will no longer be seeing doctors or hospitals for awhile.

I see that mom has filled you in. I do go to a lot of meetings. I took on the PBIS secondary chair position and am part of my union's negotiating commitee. I am not speaking, but I was the one in charge of the survey and notes. It takes up a bunch of time, but I did get an excellent rating for my evaluation. I know, of course I did, but honestly it is supposed to be very hard to do. Then again I did get one. They took me out of my classroom this year. I am a resource teacher and am supposed to service my minutes within the gen. ed. setting. I have been successful doing this, and I may be the model for everyone else next year in my building. It is exhausting though, going place to place.

Mom is good. She watches her shows with Joe. I got her an iphone for Christmas. You would love the technology that we have now. She facetimes with Jory to see the kids, and she is a dowload freak when it comes to music. Jory and julie are still the powerhouses that they always have been. They are nonstop writing and T.V. Joe is Joe. Just as funny as ever, and very down to Earth. We see Nana every few weeks about. She is hilarious.

Well, I think that I have filled you in to everything that has been going on. I miss you Dad. Especially with all of the politics going on in school, and my negotiating, I would have really loved to bend your ear and to get your thoughts on things. You are so missed Dad.
Love you,
Jenna

Hi Joel,

We're all fine....and pretty busy. I see Joe and Jen a lot....and I talk to Julie and Jory a lot on the phone and Facetime. We all may be getting together in June at Julie's....trying to work it out.

Julie's working on her 4th book....you'd love it. She did an interview with the BBC....waiting to see it when it's done being edited. Jory's so busy with BlogHer and was on CNN a couple of weeks ago. She'll be on again in April. Jen's always in meetings at school and taking more courses to get more money teaching. Joe is great...and keeping us all in stitches. The police dept. keeps him busy...and he's always got crazy stories to tell us.

The babes are all good. Bella will be 10, Bastian is almost 7, Olive is 2 1/2 and Violet is 7 months....all so cute and funny.

Thinking of you....Happy Birthday hon.

Love,
Joy

Hi Joel,

It would have been 44 years for us today. It kind of snuck up on me....but I'm thinking of you.

Nana is back in town and living in Arlington Hts.....a really beautiful place. It's so good to have her back so we all can see and visit her. She's a hoot....and hasn't changed much. Kids are good...so busy. Haven't held our newest one yet....Violet; but have talked to her and seen lots of pics. She's beautiful.

Happy Anniversary sweetie... Love, Joy

Hi Joel,

Another birthday has come around, and we miss not being able to celebrate it with you. You've been on my mind a lot lately...I wrote a post on my blog yesterday about you....and all that you were about. So many good things....and some imperfections too; just like all of us.

Jenna said pretty much everything in her message to you. Yes, Jory will be having another little one at the end of August...and sweet little Liv will only be two years old...and a big sister. Kind of like Jen and the twins. Jory is still traveling a lot for BlogHer; but that will end in a few months because of her pregnancy. She will be in town on business in a few days; and then Julie and the kids will come for a few days later in April. It's partly business for Julie...speaking on a panel in Milwaukee. She's writing her fourth book now...and is SO busy with Bella and Bastian; and now they have a puppy named Boston. Everyone will be back in June because Stephanie is getting married. Jen and I were just at her bridal shower. Jill and Dana were there too...and Jill still thinks of you fondly. She still tells me all the time how you were her favorite. Jen's real busy with her classroom and some changes are happening. Joe is Joe....still working at the police station and keeps us all in stitches. He comes over a lot...and we hang out. Jen and I run around a lot too. I'm so glad I have them so close by....I wish Julie and Jory were here too. I miss all of them.

Nana can't see or hear well anymore..but she is still so amazing at 95 years...God Bless her. I'm dealing with aches and pains that I never had to before; which has worn me down a little...but I'm trying to stay on top of things.

I hope you, Papa and my mom and dad are watching over us all....I feel good thinking about that. Happy Birthday sweetie... All my love, Joy

Hi Dad,

Happy Birthday! You would have been 67 this year. It is hard to believe that it has been almost 7 years since you have been gone.

There is so many good things that you are missing. Jory is pregnant again, so that makes three grandchildren that you never got to meet, as well as missing out on how all four are growing up. You are missing watching the twins and Joe's careers adapt and change. Mine too, I guess, though I am still teaching. Mom too, though she is still working with Blogher.

There are also things that you are not missing. Gas prices are insane. Unemployment is high, and the dollar is low. However you would enjoy arguing about these things.

It is a crazy world and I miss not having you around to give me your opinion to help me think things out.

I know that Nana and your siblings miss you too. You know the saying that you never know what you have until it is gone, I think that holds very true with them, as well as me.

I have my good days and bad days. There are days when thinking of you brings me laughter and joy and there are days when it just brings me to tears. I am sorry to say that it is one of those tear days. So, I am sorry for the tone of this post. It is hard to be upbeat when I miss you like this. Good news is that my mood always changes as you well know.

Well, Dad, I know that Mom will be filling you in as well. Again I miss you Dad, and Happy Birthday. I will talk to you soon in my prayers.

Hi Hon...

Six years...so hard to believe; and yet sometimes it feels like so much longer. Jenna filled you in pretty well. You've missed so much....and we've missed you. Moments....I have many moments where I wish you were here to chat with and laugh with. The kids keep me laughing...and on my toes. I wish you could see Bella, Bastian and Olive....my gosh you'd love hanging out with them...all such characters.

I hope you've been watching and guiding all of us....you were always pretty good at that. Thinking of you.... Love, Joy xo

Hi Dad,
Well it is that time of year again. I know I should talk to you more regularly, but sometimes it amazes me how the time just flies. I am noticing that lately. School seemed to have just started, yet it is November already. Then there are times when it feels like you just left us, but it has been six years today. This time of year is always difficult for me. I have my up days and my down. I see you in so many things and it makes me smile and sometimes cry knowing that I will not hear the real thing. I miss your voice.
Your youngest grandchild came for a visit, with Jory and Jess. I think she would have been so enamored of you. It brings back memories of when you would be reading time magazine to some baby, I think Nicole and or Stephanie. It did not matter what you read, it was the tone of your voice. It makes me sad to know that Bella, Bastian and Olive will never know that voice or that side of you.
The other difficult part of it all is that there are so many ways that I remember you in November. 8th-Marine Corp Birthday, right? , and after that is your wedding anniversary on the 9th. The 17th obviously stands out, and then Thanksgiving. I cooked your last Thanksgiving dinner. I remember some details, but it upsets me that I did not take the time to really remember more of it, to really put it to memory. I could not have known, because no one did, that you wouldn't be here the following year.
I guess you could say this is one of those down days for me. The good news is that I will get to work and the kids will keep my completely occupied. They are a very nice, but needy, group of kids. They are the reason that I work. The bureaucracy and the insane paperwork are driving me mad, but the kids are really great. They frustrate and awe at the same time.
Jory is busy traveling for work, and Julie I think is starting another book. Mom would know for sure. Mom is awaiting the day that Medicare kicks in. She is good but achy. Joe is as witty as ever.
Anyway Dad, I need to finish getting ready to go to work. I think it is obvious that I miss you, and I am sorry that this is one of those sadder posts. Like I said I have my ups and downs when it comes to you, I probably always will.
Love you!

Hi Joel...I've been thinking of you, Papa and my Dad today. I miss you all. Jenna is visiting Nana right now for a couple of days...Nana was very excited to have her there. Happy Father's Day sweetie... ~Joy xo

I do not know what happened Dad. I postd on your birthday, but for some reason it did not post. I will try again. You know I could never forget you on your birthday.

I am not sure what I wrote before. I am good. Older, trying to be wiser, but not really sure that I am yet.

Mom is good. Also older ( I know that you will read this Mom ;)) but keeping busy. She spends a lot of time watching movies and games with Joe. Which will lead me to him. He is good. He never really changes, still funny and always brings smiles to our faces.

The twins are also good. Julie is busy speaking occasionally and working a on a third book I believe. She also works very hard with Bella and Bastian. They have as hectic a schedule as she does, I swear. Jory is still the ever busy blogging mogul. However, with the newest addition (your third grandchild) she is trying to stay home more often. Olive is so very sweet. I do not think that I have seen a more smiley baby.
Happy Birthday Dad! I swear I wasn't late, it just did not post for some very bizzare reason. Love you!

Happy Birthday Joel. You'd be 66 years old today. If you've been watching you know I'm right around the corner from Medicare and have started checking some things out. I've been getting Medicare and other insurance mail for YOU for a long time. I'll be glad to get on an insurance that doesn't leave me in the poor house every month.

The kids are doing great. Joe's keeping everyone in stitches....as always. He's busy with work at the police station and hanging with his friends whenever he gets a chance....and me too. He already paid off the car that he got me three years ago....he's amazing.

Jen is good...although she just got over a bout of something...viral. She's so busy at work...a lot going on. She's still seeing Dan...they are such a funny pair the way they kid with one another. She's on her Spring Break right now...so she has plenty of time to harrass me.

Jory is so busy with Olive and work....she's been traveling a lot more for BlogHer again; but it has to be done. She's been speaking at several conferences and there's always more to come. Her company is doing great. She's such a good mom...you'd be so proud of her and Jesse...he's the best dad too.

Julie is crazy busy with writing a section of a collegue's book and working on her third book. She's been speaking here and there too, but she's turned a lot of invitations down. She's so busy with Bella and Bastian's schedules that sometimes she doesn't know which end is up. They are getting so big...you wouldn't believe it. Chris is working hard as usual...but he's doing fine.

I'm doing okay....achier than I've ever been, but hanging in there. We all miss you and think of you often....

Love,
Joy xo

Hey Dad,
The time really flies by. I meant to do this yesterday. I apologize for being late. Do not for a moment think that I have forgotten you. Far from it. I think about you all of the time. I see so many things that remind me of you. I look forward to this time to tell you. I know that I can write to you more often than just the two days, and maybe I will. Since November began, I have been thinking about what I should tell you. Then poof the day went by me. Well, I guess that is a sign that I am getting old.
Jory had a baby girl. You are a grandfather again. Olive. I have not met her yet, but have seen pictures, and she is very cute. She seems to take after Mom's side I think, just like Bella.
Julie is working on her third book. I am sure that it will be great much like the last two.
Joe is Joe. Funny and good hearted.
Mom is doing well. I know she misses you. Things would be so much easier if you were still around, but she does her best.
As for me. I went to Vegas. It was very exciting and I had a great time. I am still with Dan. You would get along very well, I think. You both are pretty conservative, like to drink and discuss history and politics. How perfect.

This is what you have missed. I think that you would be having quite the time if you were still here.
Miss you Dad,
Love,
Jenna

Yesterday was Father's Day. Joe was over watching the Cub's game with me...and a movie. I thought of you on and off during the day. You would have been out on the lake sailing...most likely. I thought of my dad a little too. Your mom called here today. She's having a really rough time of it with her eyesight. She wanted to call Jory. She's doing okay besides that. Just thinking of you... Love, Joy

Hey Dad,
Happy Birthday! You would have been 65 this year! Probably would not have looked it. That was one of those things that was neat about you. You did not look your age. I am told that I do not either. I am 40 now, and I have shocked the younger teachers in my building that had thought I was many years younger than that. I am not sure who to attribute that too, since Mom does not look her age either.
There are so many things going on today that I think would greatly upset you, and at the same time give you great enjoyment, because you would be in your arguing heyday. The economy is not good, jobs are not good, and a Democrat in the White House; Shangri-La for you. I have been feeling down quite a bit lately, not sure exactly why? It could be the state of our world, the state of my being and mind, or maybe a mix of the two. I miss your advice Dad. You had such a way of putting things into perspective for me. I need that now. I am not sure that you would necessarily tell me what I would like to hear, but it would have been what I needed to hear. My moods, I believe, I can attribute to your contribution to my gene pool.
Some positive news…
Julie wrote another book, and I have already finished reading it. My reading is another trait inherited from you; since Mom is only on the second chapter or thereabouts. It was well done, but what else would you expect from her. She discussed her book on CSPAN, another thing that you would have enjoyed. She dedicated the book to you, since she remembered all of the times you talked about Fermi, and the Manhattan Project. You were in awe of these very smart people, and what they did with their minds. I bet if in the same position you would have done the same. You were very bright, but I still hear you telling me that you knew a little about a lot, not a lot about a little, so you were not as smart as I made you out to be. That is the one thing that I will always disagree with you on.
You will be a grandfather again: Jory this time.
Anyway Dad, how many ways can I say that I miss you. Happy Birthday again, I love you!

Happy Birthday Joel...you would have been 65 today. I hope you've been watching what's been going on in our lives. Oh how you'd be smiling.

Julie spoke about her newest book last night on your beloved C-SPAN channel...this book is dedicated to you and her sweet Bella. She was so amazing Joel...you wouldn't believe it. Well, yes, maybe you would. She talked about you too. What an incredible hour it was. A lot of family and friends watched it...oh, how proud you would have been...just like I was. She's working on her third book. On top of all that's going on with her writing and teaching...she's a great mom Joel...a really great mom.

Jory is really good too. She's traveling all over for her company and speaking at a lot of things...and still manages to write when she gets the chance...which you and I always loved. Her life is hectic, but she's really good at what she does. She knocks me out at how beautifully she handles it all...but you know Jory. The greatest news is she's going to have a baby...yep, she's going to be a mom too. Can you believe it? WOW! I'm so happy for her and Jesse. I wish you could have met Jesse...he's a wonderful guy. They will be moving into a bigger house next month.

Jenna is good too, and so busy with her students...she's been handling some tough situations there. I'm sorry now that you never got a chance to see her in action with her class...what a terrific teacher she is, and the kids just love her. Her boyfriend, Dan, is a really nice guy; I think you'd like him a lot. In some respects, he reminds me of you.

Jenna, Joe and I hang out a lot. Joe's good and works hard at the Police Dept. I love listening to him on the police scanner he got for me. He's such a great guy Joel, and is awfully good to his mom...as all the kids are. He constantly makes me laugh. It's hard to believe he just turned 34...our baby. Gosh, he reminds me of my dad...he's got a heart of gold and a lot of love in him.

Honestly, I couldn't be more proud of the adults these kids have turned out to be...every one of them. They are such GOOD people Joel; and isn't that exactly what we hoped for?

We talk about you...sometimes a lot. We miss you and your craziness. I hope you know that. Happy Birthday my sweet guy... Love, Joy

Hi Joel,
It's been four years. It seems like a whole world ago. I see Jenna's been here and told you a lot...she misses you very much...we all do. I think we'll be thinking about you a lot this Christmas and I wouldn't doubt that there will be some Joel stories popping up in conversation....they always do. It seems the longer you are gone...the more we think about you and miss the 'craziness' that was you.

We are all well and busy...each in our own way....babies included. If you have been able to have a peek into our kids' lives...you'll know that they all are doing great and you must be as proud of them as I am. They are all so wonderful, sometimes I don't even have the words. They ARE those beautiful people we had hoped they would be...how blessed we are.

We miss you Joel...and we love you... ~Joy xo

Hey Dad,
It is that time of year again. It is sad, but yet it is a time for me to talk to you. Not like I don’t throughout the year, but it means more to me being able to put it down on “paper” so to say. What can I tell you?...

The funniest thing happened to me the other day. It was your anniversary. I got home and went to my room, and I heard this odd beeping. It was not my alarm clock, because I know that sound well. It stopped as I entered my room. It was your watch going off. Were you trying to tell me something? It was just the neatest and most bizarre thing. I called mom and told her. Your watch has not gone off in years Dad, and the fact that it did so on that day was just amazing. It was as if you did not want me to forget, like I would…like I could.

Every day I look for you in everything that I do. I hear stories that make me think either you would be laughing that great laugh you had, or tsking and revving up your arguing motor. I was told the other day, that I was arguing just to argue. I did not think that I was. I was being facetious, and trying to prove a point by disproving someone else’s. Did you used to do that with us? I sometimes think that you did, to get us thinking, other times I thought that you just craved the mental stimulation; like going to the mental gym.

It will be a quiet Thanksgiving this year ; just me, Joe, and Mom. Mom and I will be flying to Jersey to see Julie, Jory, the husbands, and the babes for Christmas. You would be amazed at how big they are. I look for you in them too. They are young yet, so we will see as time goes on. Bella has some of my interests. She would have loved your magic tricks, the way I did, I am sure. Bastian would have too. It makes me sad to know that they will never have had the full benefit of your spirit, your heart, and your knowledge; which was not always a benefit to me when I was little. It is by looking at a distance that I can see it all so much more clearly now.

What can I say Dad; you brought a different perspective to my life. It was magical at times; made me think; made me laugh; made me frustrated; but overall it made me who I am: who we all are. That is why you are as missed as you are. I love you Dad.

Happy Birthday Dad...you would have been 64 today. I still have my good days, when I think of you and remember with a smile; and my bad days, when thinking of you makes me cry. Today is a little of both.

I miss our "talks" (though you did most of the talking). You know the ones that I dreaded as a teenager, and tried like crazy to avoid. You would be in your hey day right now. With our newly elected Democratic President, and the way the economy is and other current events. You being the conservative that you always were, would be arguing and discussing constantly. You always had a way of making me understand your point of view (though I did not always agree with it). You kept me on my toes mentally.

I talk about you a lot. Whether it is therapy, or my way of keeping you close I am not sure. I am going to Dan's today, and when I mentioned that it was your birthday he asked if I wanted to change plans and we could have ribs. I have obviously told him a few too many times that that is what I would get for you on your birthday, and Father's Day.

I read a few of my prior posts, and they were fairly emotional, "sappy" you would say. It is not that I still do not feel the same way, I do, but I thought you would appreciate it if I tried not to be "sappy" and it is your birthday. I told you I would switch it up, but I just cannot do humor yet. I might never be able to be funny here, and this may be the best that I come to being "unsappy".

Happy Birthday Dad, I miss you. I will see you in my dreams, ( I put off being "sappy" for as long as I could). Love you Dad

Hi Joel,
Happy Birthday. Today would have been your 64th birthday. This old house just gets stranger without you in it. I swear your office roof is still leaking in retaliation of your absence. I think (hope) I've finally had it fixed after all these years of frustration.

The kids are all good....and so are the babies...happy and healthy. Julie and the kids will be coming in July for a visit. I'm not sure for how long actually; but it will be around Bella's 6th birthday. Can you believe she's going to be 6 already? Bastian will be 3 in just four more days Grandpa. He's a real character...you would just love him so much.

I'm keeping busy Joel...still working for Jory's company, BlogHer as a Community Manager. Jory comes in town on business all the time. She was just here a few weeks ago and will be back at the end of April again. Most of the time her visits are short, but it's always good to see her. But I talk to her a lot on the phone as I do with Julie...pretty much every day.

Then of course there's Jen and Joe...my two babes that I see all the time. I love hanging out with our oldest and youngest Joel. They are so great. I know you're watching from where you are so I don't have to tell you how wonderful all of our kids are...you can see it all for yourself; and I know you are as proud as I am. Happy Birthday Sweetie.... Love, Joy ~xo

Well Dad it is that time again... Happy Birthday. You would have been 64 today. I have my good days, when I can think of you and be happy, and I have my bad days, when thoughts of you bring tears to my eyes. Now, is a little of both.

I miss our talks...you know the ones that when I was a teen-ager I dreaded. I wonder what you would say about our new President, and our economy. I am sure you would have voted Republican, since you were always the conservative. You were always so good at speaking your mind, and you had a way of putting things into perspective for me, so that I understood your point; even when I still did not agree with it. You would be in your hey day right now. I used to avoid these "talks" (you did all the talking, in reality); yet now I would give anything to have one of them again with you. One thing I can say Dad is that you kept me on my toes mentally.

I am going to Dan's today, I mentioned that it was your birthday, and he asked if we should change our plans and he could make ribs for dinner. I guess I have mentioned one too many times that I used to get you ribs for your birthday and father's day (Joe got you wings). I think that there is a Carson's in Arlington Heights now, they closed the other one. I would still travel the distance for you though Dad. I talk about you a lot, I have noticed that. Dan and his family remind me of you. Their perspectives on issues, their beliefs, what they do in their free time, television and movies. You would have fit right in with them.

I am sorry for how random this all seems. I glanced at my last few posts, and saw how emotional (sappy you would call it) I was. I decided to do something a bit different today, I said I would try to vary it. I just cannot do humor just yet and I can't promise that I ever will. I still do feel the same way, but I know you would appreciate me being less "sappy", and it is your birthday after all. So, I thought I would just fill you in on things. These are the things that are in my head: what I am doing today, current events (though I do not like thinking about them), I do not want to think about work yet (I am officially still on break). There is the family, I think about them too, but I figure Mom will update you on that.

Well, I did a pretty good job staying out of the "sappy" mode. However, you knew it could not last. I miss you Dad. I miss you very much. That wasn't so bad now was it. I love you Dad, and I will see you in my dreams.

Hi Joel,
So here it is...three years. I'm getting to this a little late....not so unusual for me....now it's actually the next day. I posted something on my blog; but it wasn't sad...it was funny. It was a little chat with you...did you hear me? Have you been keeping an eye on everyone? If you have, you'll know that basically we are all doing fine.

I'm working on staying healthy....losing weight....and eating better. You know how I'm lovin' that. The kids are great. They're all going to be home for Christmas this year. It's going to be crazy...but so much fun. We're even going to have Jenna's boyfriend, Dan, here Xmas day. You never got to meet him. He's a great guy...you'd really like him.....he's a HUGE Chicago Bears fan....and he has a great heart. Xmas dinner will be in the hands of the kids this year.....how about that? I'm turning the kitchen over to them. I don't know what they plan to make, but they planned the dinner last year at Julie's....and it was wonderful. I'm sure Jenna will make some delicious desserts...that's her thing.

Bella and Bastian will be so cute this year. Bastian had his first 'big boy' haircut a few weeks ago. He's so cute Grandpa....and he's talking up a storm now. Bella is just beautiful....and quite a handful for Julie and Chris (I wonder where she gets that from), but they're such good parents. Then of course, Jory and Jesse will be coming in from CA. Jory's had quite a year of traveling all over the world. It will be nice to have Jesse and her here for a few days to just have fun. And then there's our Joe....who makes us all laugh....everyone loves Uncle Joe.

We'll miss you again this year....especially since we'll all be here in one place. That's pretty rare these days. Jen, Joe and I are having a quiet, relaxing Thanksgiving day. After dinner, we plan to put up the Xmas decorations....we'll miss your Fa, la, la, la, la.....

We had our first snow today. Were you trying to tell us something? Thinking of you.... Love, Joy

It is that time of year again Dad,
It has been three years now since you have been gone. The memory countdown starts on the 9th; your anniversary, then the 10th; how you remembered your anniversary, and finally today. I miss you Dad. There is so much I wish you were here to see. There is so much I wish that I could ask. Some days I can talk about you and be fine, others and I get all teary. I am forever your emotional child, some things will never change. I wonder how you would make of the world today. Would you quietly accept, or loudly argue. I know Dad, you would loudly argue. I even miss those. I miss your laugh. I miss your wisdom. I miss your smile. I miss you Dad. Wherever you are know that you are loved.

Happy Birthday Joel. You would have been 63 years old today. I can see you sitting at your desk enjoying your favorite birthday dinner....probably ribs or steak. We all miss you and think about you so often. Sometimes just the littlest thing will make us think of you. It's hard to believe you've been gone for almost 2 1/2 years. Bastian will be 2 years old in four days, and Bella will be 5 in about 3 months. All the kids are doing great. Your head would spin just trying to keep up with what's going on in their lives. You'd be so proud. I hope you have been able to watch them from where you are....and I pray you are happy....and at peace. Happy Birthday. Love, Joy

Today is your birthday Dad. I sit here and think of how we used to celebrate it. Nothing special and no fanfare, just a meal of one of your favorite foods and the presentation of cards and a few gifts. When I first started to pick out my own cards for you, I always picked the ones that had a lot of feeling/emotion to them. I felt that I needed for you to know how I was feeling. I knew you understood when you got teary. As I got older, I would always try to vary it year to year with either a funny card or a, as you put it, sappy card, or both depending on my mood. I always liked hearing you chuckle while reading a funny card, and I knew that you knew how I felt. You did not like for your birthday to be a big deal. I often wonder what you would say to my yearly post recognizing this day. I do not make a big deal over it Dad. I keep it small and simple. It is my way of still giving you a card I guess, more "sappy" than funny these days. Maybe with more time I will be able to vary my posts from year to year between funny and "sappy". However, for now I just need you to know how I am feeling, so "sappy" it is. I miss you Dad. I miss hearing your chuckle or seeing a tear. Happy Birthday.

Sometimes it seems like yesterday, and sometimes it seems like forever ago....when I last saw you sitting at your desk doing "your thing." But it's been two years already. It's still hard for me to believe you're not around the corner to talk to. It's very different here in the house...like another lifetime. I miss your silliness. I even miss picking up after you...kinda. The kids are all good....great in fact. I wish you could see where they all are in their lives...you'd be bursting your buttons. We have four amazing kids Joel....stellar people, each and every one of them. I'm grateful that you already knew that before you left us. And...oh those babies. I wish you could see those beautiful, sweet babies. They are a joy to everyone. We have produced a wonderful family hon...and the beautiful souls that have become a part of our family have made it that much better. I hope wherever you are...you're able to see how blessed we really are. I miss you sweetie...

Well Dad, it is that time of year again. As November begins you are constantly on my mind. When I was younger the important days of this month were as follows: it started with yours and mom's wedding anniversary, and then as you had drilled it in my head, the Marine corp birthday, and finally Thanksgiving. Now I add your new anniversary to the list. It has been two years today that I have had to add this new date. I would have done anything not to have done so. The holidays are just not quite the same without you. As we get together the echo of your laugh and thoughts of what you would have said or done haunt my mind. If I look at a particular spot in the room I can almost see you there with us. They say time makes this easier, we will see. I miss you Dad

You would have been 62 yesterday. You were in my thoughts along with planning a trip to see Julie & Chris, Bella & Bastian. You never got to see Bastian...that breaks my heart. He came close to being born on your birthday...He's a little Aries guy too. He'll be ONE on April 1st. You would love this little guy. Nana says he reminds her so much of you. I'll hug him extra tight....for you....when I see him. The house feels very different...I miss you Joel....Love, Joy

Well Dad,
It is another birthday that you are not here for. I was more preoccupied last year, what with the new arrival, and other not so joyous occasions. It did not seem to phase me as much as it does this year. I really feel your absence. I don't think that I am the only one. As time goes by, I am told, it should get easier. Well, it has not done that yet. There is so much going on that reminds me or makes me think of you. Things I know that would make you smile, or situations that you would have sage advice for. Believe it or not talking with you is what I miss most. You always gave me something to think about, and I am the better for it. So, Happy Birthday Dad. I miss you.

I have seen many in my family grieve and rejoice this past year. The sorrow has been for two men who will always be missed and never be forgotten. The joy of a new redheaded boy and a new in-law entering the family. Grandpa and Uncle Joel were there at our reunion this summer and Jory's wedding-- how could they not be? Their presence is felt by every generation of the DesJardins/Sabin/Barry family each and every day. I am so proud of my Aunt Joy and my cousins for going through all that has happened and going on every day. I love you all! Jeannie

One year. We've missed you...sometimes suddenly; but always. We've laughed, we've cried, we've felt your presence...and we've gone on. You've been joined in death by your father...just three months after your passing...and your mother-in-law...just four months after that. You've missed the birth of your grandson and the wedding of your daughter. But, you were there...in every word that was said, and every tear that was shed. It's strange going on alone...not hearing your voice; but I find solace in knowing that you have found the peace you were searching for in your final days here with us. Rest well while you're watching over us, my love....

It will be one year tomorrow that you will have been gone. Within this year we have seen other deaths, a birth, and a wedding. You have been so sorely missed during all of these events. Even though you were not present, your presence was always felt. During every occasion we hear your booming laugh, or your sarcastic and humorous wit, or your poignant and sometimes emotional thoughts. Always appearing to be so stoic, a casual observer of everyone and everything around you, yet the most sensitive one of us all. You will be forever in our hearts and thoughts.

Dear Joy, i am the sister-in-law of Joel's cousin Jon Hopkins. i have met Joe & Inez and stay in touch with Inez via e-mail. Joe, Inez & Jon have related many stories of Joel & his siblings--all have ended with much laugther. i hope you will find comfort knowing people you don't even know are thinking & praying for you & your family at this difficult time.God bless you all.

I always think of Uncle Joel as a tall, tan, dark-haired sailor-- smiling at the front of his sailboat, cruising Lake Michigan. His loud laughter scared me a little bit as a small girl but his home was always filled with laughter, games and good food. My love to Aunt Joy and cousins Jenna, Jory, Julie and Joe. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.



Love,



Jeannie, Chris, Patrick and Kevin

I worked with Joe at Loren Buick. Some days we would spend twelve hour together and we became friends. Joe was a great story teller and we all miss him.