Do not stand at my grave & cry; I am not there, I did not die.

Saturday, March 25, 2012 is a day I will never forget. Followed by a week that I will never forget. I gained strength this week. I gained love for other and received it in many ways. The feelings I was overwhelmed with were lifechanging. I gained friendships, but above all, I had to say 'see you later,' to a great friend.



Joseph Paul Schneider, better known as Joey, JoeJoe to me, or Broseph to many, passed away tragically on Friday, March 24, 2012 when he drowned in Canonsburg Lake after a night out with friends. Though it may seem like Joey was just some drunk who made a bad choice by jumping in a lake that died, he wasn't, in fact, he was the complete opposite.

Many people called him Broseph instead of Joseph because he was like a brother to many of his friends. He was a person that could always be counted on. He was a person so full of life and love for everyone and everything in his life.

This blog was about mentorship and although JoeJoe was not a mentor for me during his time on Earth, he is now that he's in Heaven. It is true that you don't know what you have until you lose it, and although I didn't really lose Joey because he's always with me now, I didn't realize what a beautiful person he was while he was alive. He truly was a gift from God for me. He made me realize that life is too short and that anything can happen to you or the ones you love at any time. He taught me to love the ones I have and let people know every day that I was thinking about them and that I care about them.

I cried for days and still struggle with the idea that I'm not going to see him until my time has come as well. I talk to JoeJoe often and I feel his warmth now more than I ever have. I have a sense of inner peace because he shows me signs that he is always with me and that I will always have an angel protecting me and my friends.

I had asked for a sign one day from him to let me know that everyone who is struggling with his death with be okay with time. It would be tragic to lose someone else because they couldn't deal with the situation and I wanted to know that wouldn't happen. At that moment, the radio started playing the song "My Wish," by Rascall Flatts. I believe that that song was Joey's sign to me saying that 'everything is going to be okay, I'm going to make sure everything is okay, don't worry.' "My Wish," was one of our graduation songs.

Joey has made me into such a strong person in less than a week and I have so much to thank him for. I have turned my life around because he has been such an inspiration to so many and I want to have that affect on others like he did. I have been going to church every Sunday, praying often for others and much less for myself. I've taught myself to be happy with the life that I have, but to never stop striving for more. Above all, I've been taught to love each moment of life and live it to the fullest because you never know when you're going to take your last breath. Make sure each move you make is one you can be proud of and make sure you love with all your heart.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."

-Written on Joey's card that I received at the viewing. The last few words could not describe him more. He lives on forever within each one of the lives he touched.

Thank you for everything JoeJoe.
I love you, I miss you, I'll see you soon.