I joined Sales & Marketing Toastmaster in Oct ’19. Immediately, I was impressed with Joe’s wit in the table topics and how he presented…full of energy yet relaxed, everything flew naturally and it felt so “easy”. Moreover, he got everybody laugh. Regardless of the topics, Joe was able to tell a story and put the audience and himself at ease. How did he do it?
During the meeting break, I chatted with Joe and learned that he loves reading and writing. I also learned that Joe brought snacks for every meeting as club’s sergeant-at-arms. Clubs, if providing snacks, often offer cookies and candies that everybody needs to think about going to gym afterwards. Joe brought fresh fruits and veggie chip. I remember our fun Thanksgiving and Christmas pot-lots, thanks to Joe and leadership team’s organization.
A few months later, I asked Joe if he’d be willing to mentor me. I’d love to be able to talk about any topic and tell good, fun stories in a whip. Without hesitation, he said yes. We met before one meeting to talk about the goals. From then on, in every meeting when I gave a speech, Joe wrote me some feedback. He is always positive while pointing out a few things I can work on.
In the past few months, I heard that Joe was going through treatments with pancreatic cancer. I cheered him up and assured that with his optimism and healthy lifestyle, Joe would beat it. I was glad to see him continuing to be energetic, helpful, and funny when telling stories in the meetings. I thought Joe was getting better until I read the email of his stroke…
I texted Joe on Friday, March ’25 believing he’d recover and we’d soon see him back on Zoom cracking stories; unfortunately, it took a different path. It’s never easy to say goodbye yet for Joe, the good news were that there was no more suffering and he was accompanied by loved people. I sent a card with big LOVE word to Joe’s family as I think that represents his spirit: always LOVE people, life, nature; always LOVE to support others, tell good stories, and make the world a little more greener, healthier, and kinder.
I believe the best way to give back is to pay forward. Joe has lived that and inspired me/ us to carry that forward!