February 16th is a day that is still sending out ripples and waves in the water.  Everyone who knew and loved Josh can still remember his joy and enthusiasm for every little thing...the way he shook his arms when he was excited... and his big hugs and smiles..... and how HE LOVED EVERYBODY.  Josh didn't know judgement or holding a grudge - nor did he know how much he affected so many people in his life through those ripples that are still moving.   
     I think of my niece Heidi, and how she helps kids in the special ed class -and how her tender heart for those with special needs students all started with her knowing and loving Josh. Many, many people who never even knew Josh will feel the ripples and waves of love through Heidi.
     My nephew Joey, another one of Josh's cousins, I know will always be different through his experience of being such a good buddy to Josh as well.  Who knows how his paths will change and whose lives he will touch with a compassion that is deep and real and comes from Josh's brief time with us!
     I remember when Josh's brother Jimmy was in high school and how Jimmy stood up for the girl in a wheelchair at school when somebody was picking on her.  No doubt Jim will never forget how people with special needs need special advocates. 
     And even a couple weeks ago a fourth-grader at the school where I work ran into class one morning and threw his arms around me...."Miss Linda!", he said, "I read Josh's Website last night!"  He said he looked at all the pictures 8 times each! He had lots of questions and we had a nice talk about Josh.  More ripples....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!  WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU SOOOOO MUCH - YET EVERY DAY WE FEEL THE RIPPLES OF LOVE FROM YOUR LIFE!  THANK YOU!!

I love you Buddy,,,see you in the morning...
MOM

It was one year ago I was worried about your mom Josh on this special day and I will NEVER EVER forget her wonderful response when I talked to her.  She said she wasn't too sad because this day when you were born JOSH was the happiest day of her life and the joy you have given her ALL THESE YEARS is truely a gift.  I miss you still Josh and am thinking about you and love you.  xo aunt chrissy

Dear Josh,

   It's been six months here without you and I still miss you every day.  I dream about you about half of my nights and I wonder where you are.....  So many of my dreams are about when you were a baby or when you and Jimmy were little.  Last night I dreamt we came home and you had been home alone and made yourself something to eat and were sitting with a tv tray in front of the tv- just smiling when we came in! Is that you telling me you are doing ok? You are taking care of yourself wherever you are? I am glad you are not suffereing any more and you are free!! Free from the pains and confines of these bodies!  We will all see you soon- in the scope of things all of our lives are SHORT and we will all be together soon.  I love you so much buddy.

Love, YOUR MOM