January 16, 2000 - March 24, 2000      Joseph Michael Alba was born on January 16 of this year.  He was premature by one month, but no one minded that the little tyke came out early.  Even during pregnancy, Maria could tell that Marty and Joey would be a dynamic duo.  Marty would keep my sister awake during the day, and Joey would keep my sister awake during the night by kicking her from the womb.  Being premature, Joey needed a lot of love and support, a feat which his parents happily accepted.  A month after his birth, his Grandparents from New York flew in and there wasn't a moment Joey left their arms.  A week later, my sister and brother-in-law flew down and once again Joey felt the love and attention from those who cared for him.  On Saint Patrick's day, little Joey was the center of attention at Maria and Ruel's job - a role that Martin usually took, but one that Martin gave up for that day.  Unfortunately, last Friday, God decided to take little Joey from us.  I wonder why God took him away.  Joey made us very happy and brought joy to all our lives.  He had so much to live for and those who loved him had so much to offer.      I often think about how Joey would've turned out if it was God's will to keep him alive.  I picture him and Marty growing up together, playing side-by-side with each other and driving Ruel and Maria crazy.  From what I could tell from the short time he was here, Joey would've been a very loving and affectionate person.  I could see him as a doctor or counselor, someone people went to for help.  But I know baby Joey could've been anything he wanted to be because he had the love and support of the people around him.      Joey was Martin's baby brother.  Every morning, Joey would serenade the apartment with his cries, and that would be the cue for Martin to wake up.  He gladly accepted the kisses given to him by Marty and I'm sure if given a chance, would happily give them back to his older brother.  Joey had a smile that could melt anyone's heart; if the smile didn't get you, the dimples surely would.  His eyes were equally as powerful.  One look at his eyes, and you were his.  Joey was a grandchild of my father, meaning he was on the 2-million kiss program.  He didn't quite finish the program - he received about 1.2 million.      I know we are all deeply saddened by the loss of little Joey.  Even though my words cannot take the pain away, the thought that he is in heaven with God makes this tragedy a little easier to handle.  Even though we are suffering, little Joey is resting now.  I know that God has made our Joey an angel, and he is watching over us now.  I ask that everyone here pray for the little man, so he knows how much we all truly loved him.      Thank you all for sharing this moment with us in behalf of Maria and Ruel, the Mendigorin's and Alba's, and all those that helped us through this difficult time.