Reply #6: great article [View All]

[frogcycle]

I loved the way they described his handshake and hand on bicep/shoulder/elbow

I will forever remember both times he did that to me.

He absolutely, positively, makes you feel that for that moment you are the most important person in the world to him.


I loved watching Jim keep track of time with that sort of knowing grin, then amble up to gently drag him off stage... I am sure that the family called Jim in and said "Joe is running behind schedule because we can't tear him away from one crowd to get him to the next. Here's your assignment" and Jim said "Got it. I'm on it." Only his brother could fill that role. I said to Jim at Dubuque 'I'll hang around and be available if you need a flying wedge to get him out of here to the plane" and he smiled and nodded like it was an inside joke - I felt for that couple of seconds like I was a (temporary) part of that wonderful family team.

It is just wonderful that his mom joined the group after Christmas. She was there to see his biggest crowds, see him talk about his dad, tell the story about "Get Up" and others about his dad. What a great bunch of people.

Now I'm sniffling.