#classicjoe

Today, I would like to tell you about my good friend, Joe Sarmiento. My life without Joe would mean less LAUGHTER, less JOY, and less LOVE. I met Joe in passing my freshman year. He says he doesn't remember, but I will never forget. I was a shy freshman making my way up the stairs of O'Connor for my CTW class. Joe seemed to be in a hurry, but he took the time to hold the door open for me. What he said to me is such classic Joe, and I mean this is the most loving way. "I wish I knew how to say more than just gracias to you." He basically thanked me for him holding the door open for me. He was doing something nice for me and yet he still thanked me. Classic Joe.

I thought it was interesting that he knew I could speak Spanish. Most people can't tell unless I tell them or go figure, start speaking it. Back then I took that gesture as a simple act of kindness. A very much needed act of kindness since I was struggling with adjusting to Santa Clara. Him going out of his way to do something so simple reminded me of the goodness in the world. I went to class with a smile and optimism that perhaps that day would be a good one. Little did I know this would be one of many moments where Joe's simple acts of kindness would constantly remind me of the goodness in the world.

Looking back at this moment, I see more depth into how Joe knew I could speak Spanish. He has this ability to see you for who you really are- a quality I very much admire about him. From this stems his gift of listening. Really hearing you out and being there for you. He is always willing to take time out of his day to get coffee or lunch. He is even willing to get up a little bit earlier before your morning work out just to get to spend some time with you. He is a very thoughtful friend too. He knows how much I love penguins so on my 22nd birthday this year, he borrowed a penguin costume and walked into Campus Ministry singing, "Feeling 22." If the littlest thing reminds him of you, like a road sign or advertisement, he will text you or post on your wall: "Random Joe post of the day" and let you know how he thought of you in that moment. Again classic Joe.

Joe is also a very supportive friend. He ran up to me after the skit the Twerking Platypi put on and thanked me for taking on the role of Miley Cyrus. He did this even though all of the judges decided to vote me out and the director "fired' me. Now he calls me Maira Cyrus. Classic Joe. He is supportive in serious situations too though. He constantly checked in with me as I prepared to share my story with others. He has been there for me through the loss of my grandma and is always affirming me for keeping up with my blog and my role in CLC. It's the little things he does that make such a difference in my life.

I am so incredibly blessed to be able to call Joe Sarmiento one of my friends. The world really needs more of him. Although, no one could ever replicate his awesomeness because he is a classic Joe. 

Thank you Joe, for being you. For always going out of your way to show your friends how much you love them. For accepting me for who I am. For bringing laughter and joy into my life. You always take the time to show your appreciation for others and myself so this post is dedicated to you my friend!!! You are loved and we missed you at Mass yesterday!!

#theresnofriendlikejoe #twerking #mairacyrus #justforyou #sharethelove #youareawesome #hashtagsfordays #goodluckwithfinals

Also, returning the shout out: check out his blog for some good insights! http://thebrainofjoe.blogspot.com/