It is with a heavy heart that we post our tears for the loss of Jose.

I have tried to write this post and tried again. To lose both Walt and Jose to anxiety and depression, well, it doesn’t seem possible.

Walt had described Jose as one of the two kindest men he has ever known. Jose spoke of Walt’s gentleness and calming spirit. Two kindred spirits.

Jose had been quite busy with his job at Gateway especially since COVID. He arrived at his first board meeting late because he was picking up food for Gateway’s food back from The Swap Rabbit Trail Grocery. I smiled saying, goodness, this is nothing to apologize for. We are so proud of you and so honored for you to have joined our board.

At the meeting, Jose explained he lived with depression, but working for Gateway put his problems in perspective. He said helping others with serious mental health conditions made his problems seem smaller. Jose was great a reading emotions. He seemed to take upon himself a kind of challenge to see if he could provide each he met on his path a bit of happiness. This was evident to me for he always had a beautiful smile on his face and was so generous, playful and kind.

Looking back, there were too few shared Sunday dinners with Jose. He always complemented me on each of my dishes, even the ones that did not turn out. Those unsavory dishes, those were the ones he seemed to ask for seconds. Jose brought an energy and a positive spirit to each of our gatherings.

When I asked if he would like to join our board, he almost cried stating he was so humbled, so honored. He said, “Me, Jose, on a board?!” I tried my best to express it was Walt’s Waltz honor if he would accept. I explained that I knew he was busy, so no worries with any commitments. We were just thrilled to have him.

The world weeps for so many were not blessed to cross his path. I weep for our loss but sometimes smile at my fortune to have known this man and have had him lovingly call me Mom.

~ susan