Beyond Words

This entry was written by my “little sister” Beth. Here it is in full:

My brother Joe 7/11/2002

Ok, well yes it may seem sort of odd that a 16 year old will write a whole diary entry dedicated to her brother. But hell, mine deserves it!!

Actually, he’s not my biological brother, he’s just an amazing friend that I made when I was in a time of need and he saw this so he came into my life… and I would proudly say that he saved my life.

I know what you’re thinking, “how can someone save your life?” well I’ll answer that first.

On August 16th 2001 I was feeling very depressed because of a recent loss in my life. I had written in my old diary that I wanted to kill myself. A couple of hours later I noticed a note had been left for me. It was from Joseph ______ (for his privacy I’m not saying his last name). He told me that suicide wasn’t the answer, and that if I ever needed to talk he would be there for me. I was shocked. I thought, wow, this guy doesn’t even know me, and he’s willing to help. I realized that at least one person out there was thinking of me and wanted me to stay alive. So I messaged him back, and I told him thank you, and to that day he has helped me with so many things in my life, and I’m alive because of that one message. This guy had never seen me before, never talked to me in my life, just read the message of a 14 year old girl reaching out for help… and he gave me that help I so desperatley needed.

Over the past year that I have known him (almost a year) I have learned many many life lessons. Like this one that I am about to share with you. I was looking through some old diary entries that he had written, even before we knew each other, and I saw one entitled “The Golden Rule”. I will put one thing of what he said in there:

“In high school, you’ll only have to worry about the occasional pens, pencils, notebooks, lunch, any vending machines, yearbook, etc. My advice to you underclassmen, enjoy your time in high school, they are among the greatest four years you’ll ever have. Sure, you’ll find friends who’ll be like Judas, but you might find some that will stick with you no matter what. Hang on to those friends.”

I took that to heart. Everything he says is worth copying and pasting and putting in a scrapbook that you will never ever want to lose. My brother has said so many worthwhile pieces of advice, I feel like a better person. I follow the example that he sets, and I will proudly say that he is my role model. he’s so caring, and helpful, he’d help anyone in need, and doesn’t let anyone get to him. Whoever taught him that did a great job! Now he’s passing it on to me, and I have done some things for people, things that I have made a lot of friends because of, and I did it all thinking of my brother Joe. he even said he was very proud of me when I helped a friend in need.

So everyone, go to “Big Joe”;s diary and you can see what I’m talking about!!

So I just want to say, thank you Joe, for teaching me life lessons, and for the lessons you will teach me in the future. I love you.

~*Beth*~

BTW, her diary is Carpe_Diem on FOD.