What pain to have seen Joseph today. Things so beautiful around me in life just now, and momentum under full steam. Things coming so easily. And then to come through the door of my sister's house, the broad beam slow swinging door through a curved portico into thick walls and to hear reverberating through those halls and rooms that voice, that rich voice of delight and fascination with each new turn. The full voice of Joseph, so thick and happy and full of life. Calling out to my daughters in their blue ball gown finery. Low and beholding their fanciness with accolades and hoots. Pure Joseph enjoying the stuff of life at hand. And then to come around the corner to find him in his room, the revamped dining room, in his bed, a mattress and box springs on the floor, his legs propped up onto a giant wedge of orthopedic pillow, some big green castor to keep his none circulating legs, thick like elephant trunks elevated. His cheeks puffed with it too, with whatever was slowing his blood - his own ill heart - and then here he is turning the weight of vastly immanent death into a cherubic rosy cheeked, puffy eyed look of Santa-in-a-slow-spell. The mirth was into total swing, unmitigated by rot of the corpse, the soul is so free in its play - he loves the things he finds amazing and makes each sweet moment with him poignant. That's his kingly advantage, you give him he importance of magic man relevance and he hands it back as full sage anointed. His seal is the fine and bold imprinture we're all wanting, because it carries such easy proof of validation, he knows the good shit and admires it unvarnishedly, when it's good, from the simple moment of seeing the child, to the many well bound bits of photography I shared with him, when it's good he lets you know in the best terms possible. He gives you such strength in this way. And thus it's amazing to see his body ravaged, because the giving soul is so perfectly undiminished.
God love him. He's on a road trip, and seemingly enjoying every minute of it. There's more bravery there than a thousand Evil Knievals.
