I am still trying to come to terms with the passing of my teacher, mentor, and friend. In an attempt to accept the horrific news, I chose to reflectively celebrate my history with Joe, rather than dwell on the loss. As I think about our short five-year history together my tears are replaced with a smile. I can only smile and allow myself to be cloaked by his warm and enveloping spirit. Joe had a wonderful gift of making everyone who came in contact with him feel special. As a student, he made me feel that my every thought was valuable. His mentoring style was respectful and effective. He would devote time to having lengthy conversations with me until a new understanding appeared in me, an “AHA moment”. It was a natural and painless way of learning that left me with dignity and new knowledge. As his friend, he made me feel as if I were important in the relationship. Everyone who touched Joe’s life was a priority to him. I sometimes think his life’s work was about GIVING BACK! I was touched by this gift and will forever move forward mindfully giving back to society with patience. Within his numerous sharing spaces, Joe created a strong family among his friends. Joe understood the meaning of the village and devoted his life’s work to creating harmony among all. He was “ in tune” with LIFE! He opened his house up to his students and we became a family, breaking bread together, passionately talking about life without caution, and planning action steps to help the world. We became a nurturing and supportive network through his guidance. Sadly, our support system was tested with his passing and thankfully we were able to fall back on that support base in this difficult time. He will always survive and his spirit will continuously manifest in us. I envision his legacy as a soaring spirit with an outstretched helping hand. Dr. Wayne Dyer, author of “The Power of Intention”, states about death “that only your physical body dies … that universal mind was and is formless – it’s the pure energy of love, beauty, kindness, and creativity, and it can’t die, since there’s no form involved – no form, no death, no boundaries, no deterioration, no flesh, no possibility of it wasting away” (pp.114-115). Joe is an example of the universal mind that can’t die. He exceeded the boundaries of life by planting his legacy seeds within us and these seeds will continue to sprout. He will continue to live through all of us who, at one time in history, breathed in his air space. Joe, thank you for making me a better person, for helping to open the boundaries of my mind, for making me accountable to mindful human service, and believing in me and my ability to GIVE BACK! Thank you for this website, a place to give back! "HARMONIOUS THOUGHT-IN PROCESS"