Joseph Stokely Rainwater: my uncle, my mentor, my sidekick, my traveling buddy and all around most perfect person I ever knew. Born February 7, 1946. Died November 12, 2010.
Joe was born with Down Syndrome, but let me tell you people, he was just the best and most devoted friend I ever had.
In future postings, I will be sharing poems and stories about Joe's life and some of the amazing things he did and said. Starting is the birth poem:
February 7, 1946
Where's my baby?
Bring my baby!
She knew something was wrong
Who did she think she was
To risk having a child at forty-six?
The new love demanded it though
And she had prayed it would be all right.
But it wasn't.
Those almond eyes, that scar!
The old doctor said put it away
It will never grow.
It will never know you.
It will be a vegetable.
Leave it where it will get the care it needs.
Calmly, she disagreed, IT? the care IT needs?
I will care for him, he is my SON!
I will love him, teach him
And be proud of his accomplishments.
And he grew, and he loved
And accomplished much.
His greatest feat being that
Of bringing a family together
Teaching them how to love
And to be proud of him.