Today Julia would celebrate her 53rd birthday. 

It is still unbelievable that she is not here to enjoy it.  Not sure coming to terms with that will ever happen. 

Everyone who loved her feels a great sense of loss. There is less laughter, love, joy, and just plain fun without her. She brought so much to everything she did. 

Julia and I were part of each others lives since birth, more like sisters than best friends. I have pictures of us together before I even have the memories. 

We were part of each other’s lives since our lives began. It’s a relationship most will never get to experience. Lucky me!! 

What made her the saddest when trying to come to terms with her illness, was leaving her children too soon. 

It haunted her that she would not be able to help them navigate through life and enjoy all that was ahead for them. I am so sorry she ever had to know that feeling and that they had to experience that loss! 

It seemed as though there were a few moments she was able to escape all that ALS was stealing from her. Here is what I remember them to be. 

When she talked about her children and the pride and love she had for them. 

Walks down memory lane from her beautiful childhood to her eloping with Chris and becoming a mom. 

Our time spent after diagnosis at our friend Julaine’s cabin where she was able to walk down a dock one last time, go on a boat ride, lay in the sun (which she loved  more than anything), sit on the shore in a beach chair, ride on gator through town, sit around a bon fire, enjoy a few drinks, play games and dance!! Though these were not easy things to accomplish she gave it her all and the four of us did it together. 

She loved enough for a lifetime and she is carried in the hearts of so many. She is remembered through a pictures, a place, 

a story, a song, a scent in the air, a garden or quite simply the warmth of the sun. 

Julia you are loved, missed and longed for each and everyday. 

I personally know seeing you again someday will be a celebration! It will  be loud and full of joy, just like in life! 

Happy Birthday to our friend, daughter, sister, wife and mom!