Robert Barry Joyner

Mr. Joyner,
To be made aware of your passing, truly hurt our hearts. From the first day we met, and moved next door you all instantly became family. Always so kind, sweet, welcoming, and loving. You will truly be missed, and forever in our hearts. We were neighbors for about 5yrs and we have so many memories. You were a great man Mr. Joyner and you inspired us in so many ways. You never allowed anything to slow you down or get the best of you. May you take your rest now, in the arms of the Lord. We love you! You will never be forgotten ❤

I’ve been trying to find the strength to write something up here and even now as I type my vision is blurred from the tears pouring out of me. My memories of Papa I could write a book about but my fondest is when he was with me in Cincinnati after I got burnt. Me and Papa would just run around the hospital looking at all the pretty nurses and even girls up there who were my age he’d be like here’s my grandson and try to set me up with them. He was the best wingman a guy could ask for in such a dark time in my life. Papa use to always tell the stories of our time together at the hospital. Even when his memory was starting to fade away he’d tell the story of us flying on the plane and going to Cincinnati for my checkups. He’d tell the story and immediately forget and tell it again and again and I’d just listen like it was the first time he told it. I’m not sure how to feel right now. I’m angry all his memories were stolen from him these last couple of months he was alive. I’m angry he forgot all about me and would look at me like he had no clue who I am. Everyone says just think about he’s not suffering anymore and I’m trying so hard to. We were looking at pictures tonight and I found 1 of me and him at the hospital and I just started balling my eyes out. I was sitting in a wheelchair with a blank look on my face because I wasn’t happy when I was photographed in the condition I was in and Papa was sitting there with me with his hand on my knee and a smile on his face like he could see the future and knew I’d pull through this all. I’m glad before his memories were ripped away from him he got to see me walking so much better than I ever have since the fire. Everyone says he’s in a better place and I listen to it and know it’s true but in my heart a better place is down the road and only a phone call away if he’s hit the input button on the controller by accident and can’t figure out how to get it back on his shows he was watching. I’d rush on over to fix it and he’d talk to me about how good I’m doing, how far I’ve come and tell about our time in Cincinnati. He’d say it was 1 of the best times he’s had and how he wish we could go back 1 day and show them all how great I was doing. We never got to make that trip and I wish we had because it could have been another adventure with him I could carry with me always with my many others. I feel selfish for even wishing he was still here with all our memories still intact. They had his wake tonight and before came home I rode up to that house where him and my grandma lived for so many years and just sat there and couldn’t stop crying as much as I wanted the tears to run out so I could drive home and I stared at the door wishing he would walk out and ask for my help with his TV 1 more time where he remembered me and he remembered all those memories we made together. But he didn’t come out and I just stared at an old empty house where my Papa once lived at, got myself together, dried the tears from my face, and went home. I know he’s in a better place in heaven, all his memories were brought back, he gets to be with his parents again, and I’m sure when he was telling them all about the amazing life he lived. He told the adventures we had going to Cincinnati and how much fun we had. Goodbye Papa I love you so much and I will truly miss you. I hope as you watch over me, I continue to improve day by day, and you remember that picture we took with that smile on your face, and you go I knew it would get better for old Mikey.