I only got to know Joe starting about a year ago while I was working for a company in Israel that made phone calls to elderly people in their homes in the US. Our phone calls went way past my commitment of 3 months as we both truly enjoyed our conversations. I didn't want to stop calling. What started out for me as a job, turned into a completely enjoyable friendship that consisted of weekly, and often bi-weekly, conversations. We would talk about religion, family as well as his health and wishes. He was a gentle man who enjoyed life and fiercely wanted to remain independent until the end, which he did. I'm so happy he got his wish. To his family- he was so proud of you all. He asked me once, when I called him from the wall in Jerusalem, to put in a note for him. He asked for good health and happiness for him and all of you. He would say every once in a while that he hoped God was reading the note.
May the wonderful memories you have of your husband, father, father in law and grandfather give you strength to carry on. And know there is someone here in Israel that will always remember and be thinking of him.
Rhonda Mestel
