Joseph Michael Alvarado

I have so many memories that I'll continue to remind you of bit by bit. Here's the start of it at least: I think one of our weirdest games we use to play was in and around Mommie Anee and Poppie Ike's house -- remember the hunt for Mommie Anee's other eye? We used to walk around the neighborhood in EP and there were the big great danes that we'd always pass. I was always afraid they'd come attack me, but you comforted me... and somehow even when you were a scrawny kid, I knew you'd find a way to protect me. I loved dressing us all up as Little Mermaid characters. The rain dance that Poppie Ike taught us... we'd do it out front and look like total lunatics. The fights over who Pepper belonged to. In highschool, remember the night I snuck out and when I came back, everyone was waking up? I ran straight up to my room, closed my door, thought I was safe, then realized you were in my room and had been waiting for me so you'd know the exact hour I arrived! You used that as blackmail for the longest time... Trying to prove I was a better at taking Tequila shots than you at Anee's wedding: Epic Fail on my part. Though for being half your size, you must admit I did surprisingly well at keeping up. One of our last long/serious conversations about making sure we stayed close so our kids would be as close as we were growing up. We wanted to make sure they'd be like brothers and sisters too. You were much better than me at keeping in touch, but I'm going to use you as my example. I will get better at this and do everything I can to keep up with our family and strengthen our relationships. I love you so much.

My Dear Butler: - You know - I have never called you Jospeh.  I really liked it when you would pick me up from school.  It was cool to have my big cousin pick me up from school.   Thank you for taking care of me and having fun with me.  Please take care of me and my brothers. 

Joseph,

I miss you coming in after you had your shower every night and sitting in your rocking chair by my side of the bed, and playing your favorite game "What If ".

 

I so miss your wacky conversations.

 

Mom

Cuz, we shared so many special memories

The trips when we were little

Disney World -- those sailor hats with our names

Visiting Grandma Susie in California

Remember that tree?

Arizona -- you were fascinated by Billy the Kid

Ruidoso and Cloudcroft

You used to love that song "Oh My Goodness, Great Balls of Fire"

We would ask the man at the piano at the Inn -- to play it over and over again

So many hours on that lot next to Mommy Anne's house -- digging and digging

Love the fact that you will always be part of my story with Luis

I had an excuse to call my future husband -- thanks for that

Good times when you were in Houston -- you will always be our “Chaton” 

Thanks for coming to see us in Dallas -- it meant so much

Still remember that night we went out -- I had to shoo the girls away from you   

I miss hearing you bark out of the blue

I’ve been doing it lately when I think of you

When we were older

Thanks for always being better about calling just to check in

You Always said "I Love You" when our call ended

...

“I Love You” Cuz

Dear Joseph, I keep thinking back to how much you loved our first dog, Aspen. She used to jump up and bite your ears! You would say, "Aunt Nancy, she's biting my ears again!" You have always been a special, precious young man. You will continue to live in our hearts.