by Lee Ash-Cantu
When we were in the big flood of 1989, the Koke’s stepped in to help. My cabin on the San Marcos River in Martindale got five feet of water in it. We lost most of our belongings, including a roof over our heads. My daughter and I were invited to stay in what Joe called his graduate apartment, in the attic of their home. We stayed for 3-4 weeks and then my sister Peggy, had an apartment open below her in the Denver area. All our stuff fit into the back of Joe’s mini van and Joe followed my little Toyota car, all the way to Colorado. He help unpack my stuff, visited with Peggy and I and stayed on Peggy’s couch overnight. Then he got up early the next morning and drove back to Texas. He didn’t let me contribute to his gas and was so humble and just smiled and accepted my hug as payment for kindness. But I have always remembered him and Judy and their loving friendship. They also gave the best holiday parties and I miss them both still today. ❤️