09/19/2024
“As the mom of identical twins, Joe and Will, there’s no doubt that they were soul mates with a special spiritual connection. From the start, they had a deep, natural, and profound concern for one another. We found out early on how tight their bond was.
When they were newborns we initially had them nap in separate bassinets during the day. At night we put them in the same crib in our room and they fussed and wiggled until they were touching. As soon as they made physical contact they fell fast asleep.
Joe and Will had a deep concern for one another. As toddlers, if Joe got hurt, Will cried harder. If Will fell down, Joe fell apart and had to run over to see what happened.
Through the years, people often asked if the boys were competitive. Actually, they were supportive of one another and encouraged each other. You might have heard one say, “You can do better than that” meaning, you’ll do better next time.
There wasn’t a rivalry between these brothers and they didn’t boast or self-promote. They were also very humble and modest.
One of my favorite memories was from a national art competition their junior year in high school. Joe’s intaglio print won first place and a trip to Washington DC. Will’s self-portrait came in second place. Joe felt Will should have won and told him, “You’re a better artist than me, but you’re too good and the judges got it wrong. I ‘took’ first place, but you ‘earned’ it.”
After the event was over one of the judges, an art professor, shared with us the reason Will’s self-portrait, done in graphite didn’t take first place was that it was deemed too perfect. Some assumed it had to have been projected, not done freehand. Turns out, Joe was right.”
Mark and Jan created JoeWill Art to continue to share their story and to be an asset for those struggling with mental health. Losing someone to mental health can often be focused on the tragedy of their loss in your life, but JoeWill art is a reminder to celebrate the life they lived.
Follow JoeWill Art as we begin to create a safe space for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and those struggling with mental health.
***deawarenessmonth
