JOE MAY's Birthday

I woke up today with mixed emotions.  Normally this is one of the most exciting days of the year for me.  We have always celebrated our Libra birthdays on the Saturday night between Joe's and my birthday.  The fact that this year Joe is not with us hurts me more than i could ever explain.  The loss of Joe has created an emptyness within my heart that i thought i would never have to experience and will never get over.  Joe has always been the glue that bonded many of our friendships.  His death has brought many of our friends closer and forced us to realize the importance of true friends, and the fragility of us all.  When someone close to you dies people constantly tell you, "Everything happens for a reason", or "Maybe something good will come from his death."  That just does not cut it for me..... I want him back.  I think we all have a hard time controlling the tears, anger, and frustration.  I can't for any reason understand why someone who was such a Large part of our life could just be ripped away from us.  If that is not enough, how could such amazing people like Joe's parents have to deal with the death of both of their sons.  That goes beyond life throwing you a curve ball.  I know that nothing could ever replace Joe and Ed for Mrs. Selwyn and Mr. Allen, but those of us who live on will never forget their amazing sons, and will be there for them as long as we have air to breathe.  I can't help but think about one of the last great conversations Joe and I had at 4a.m. in his truck outside of Jenn's house in Athens.  We talked about Ed, how lucky we were to have our group of friends,  being in our 30's and just starting to figure out our paths in life. That night Joe said something to me I will never forget. He told me how jealous he was of the relationship I had with Jenn, and how lucky I was.  Little did he know that his world was about to be turned upside down (in a good way) by one of the most amazing people to come into his life, his Andrea, his Sunshine. She came into his life and made Joe oficially THE KING.  At that moment I never imagined that Joe would not be physically present at our 32nd birthday party.  I have tried so hard to be strong and positive, but sometimes it hurts so damn bad, and I am just angry.  All of us have been dealing with it in our own way, and at least we have one another, but i know that each of us wishes that we could be leaning on Joe.  I am going to do my best to celebrate on this day in honor of my great friend.  Although there will be an empty space at the party I know Joe will not be missing from the festivities.  He will be in every sip of a drink, every pig-in-a-blanket we eat, and every hip-hop lyric I scream at the top of my lungs, and in the eyes of his Andrea.  Joe is in all of us now.  That is something to be proud of....
   We love you and miss you KING CHANGY......(i hope you and ed are riding some dirt roads today)
           one love
                   john-robert ward II

 

 

 

the happiest i ever saw joe......ever

one love to DRE DAY.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE MAY AND PASS THE CROWN

My Birthday Dinner_thanks Jenn

Jenn and Scout gave me a great birthday dinner again this year.  I thought i would share a few pictures, and say thanks to my two girls.....

i always get some great decorations and my birthday song by The Beatles is always playing when i first walk in the door.  Jenn has always does it up....i also always get a card from scout.

My homemade Coca Cola Cake Jenn baked for me.(you go miss changy) Awesome!!!

my favorite...hello asparagus pee !

i got to grill the steak... it was a hell of a meal.....

thanks Butch....a.k.a Jenn Brooks

Birthday Blog Post...

I just wanted to thank all of my friends and family for the kind words, facebook messages, texts, emails, calls, and cards.  Thanks for all the Love.  I always say that my birthday is not a big deal, but it feels great to know how many people are out there thinking of you.  Good to know so many Great people have my back.  I love you all.

  I thought twice before posting this birthday letter/poem my dad wrote for me on this birthday, but i decided to share it because I love him so much, and am so proud to have him as a father and hero.  i can't even express how humbling it is to have such a great man say these things about me and mean them.  a son can't beat getting this letter for his birthday.....(good luck with the doctors handwriting)
                                                                                                    (you can click on image to enlarge)

damn i am getting old

i am so proud of where/who i came from

i have def. been blessed with the most amazing, loving parents, and am thankful.

i know i would not be as happy without these two to make my days brighter.

jenn always hooks up a good birthday dinner.. this year Filet Mignon

I always do it up with my Libra Babies.

Last but not least... I can't remember a birthday celebration without my Brotha JOE MAY.

My birthday is three days before Joe's, making us the babies of our class.  We have always combined our birthday throw downs and his absence this year breaks my heart terribly.  Joe you will always remain to be with me/us on this day and i miss you and love you more than i could ever have thought.

Things are not quite as "Changy" without you, but we will be doing it up this year on your birthday.  we will continue to celebrate our Libra Babies birthdays on that day... now and forever.

One Love King Changy....you will always be the King

 

Again, thanks to everyone for a happy birthday to me....

cheers

 j.r. ward II

Kenya Program 1998

 I just started scanning negatives from my time in Kenya .  I traveled to Kenya while attending The College of Charleston during the summer of 1998.  The same summer of the American Embassy bombings in Kenya, and Tanzania.  I went with a group of anthropology students from CofC and The University of Southern Mississippi led by Dr. Bruce Roberts.  Many of these images have never seen the light of day, other than having the film processed.  Most of the developed prints I had were stolen during a break in of my apt. a number of years back.  The negative scanning process will probally take me forever, but I wanted to share a few images I was excited to finally have in front of me.....

more to come soon.......

Tutaonana...

j.r. ward II (Mwangi)