I knew Joe only slightly. We had jokingly made comment on more than one occasion that we seemed to pass in fleeting moments, one entering the chat room as the other exited. The only time we had shared more than a few words together had been just days before his illness. I recall thinking at the time, with regret, that I might not have another opportunity. However, I learned much about Joe and even more about the community of WetCanvas! by reading the messages of encouragement posted.

Responses came from friends and acquaintances, of all ages, from across the world, even from people who didn't know the man, but knew he must be someone special because so many people cared. Some offered best wishes for a speedy recovery; believers of various faiths offered prayers for Joe and his family. There were poignant messages and others that shared humor, even in the face of adversity, because Joe is a man who enjoys humor (as was seen by his Irish Jokes building towards St. Patrick's Day!). These are excerpts from the many messages posted: