Hello everyone! My name is Julia Byrne, Joel’s older sister. Although it has been a tough eight months, there has been lots of good given to the community. I know that many of you have taken time out of your day and money out of your pockets to help people in honor of my brother. I can not thank you enough.
For many months after his death, I was fixated on the thought “how could such an amazing person die, and there is nothing good that can come out of this.” Honestly, the first part of that statement is still a mystery to me, but as for the second part, there is so much good that we can take from his life and death, if only we chose to. Although his body might not be with us, his heart is still within each of us helping spread the love he used to share. Of course I would do anything to bring him back, but I have realized that no amount of wishing, hoping, or praying could do that. Instead, I try to focus on what I can do in this moment, making the world a slightly better place, and keeping Joel’s spirit alive. This is what drives me everyday to do the next right thing and to help others. Although I have not moved on from my brother’s death, and never will, I have chosen to take the shred of good that has come out of this and make it into something Joel would have been proud of.
I will forever be grateful for the time I had with him. He has shaped me into the person I am today and without a doubt made me a better person. As brothers and sisters do, we used to fight a lot as kids. Constantly bickering about things that I can’t even remember. However, as we grew older the arguments turned into deep conversations to the point where my brother knew me better than anyone, including myself. Whether it was driving to school, getting Chick-fi-la on Fridays, screaming songs together, sitting next to each other at lunch, or pushing each other in athletics, he always brought out the best and most genuine side of me.
Being himself was something he was never afraid to do. He had many signature things that made him an “oddball.” He was also admirable and was always doing good for others. I couldn’t think of a better role model for me and my sister. He only wanted the best for people as he has shown over and over again throughout these months.
Although Joel is in a better place, I still walk around everyday with what feels like a gash in my heart, and I know others feel the same. Everywhere I go, he’s there. His sweat stains the Robinson stadium from those early morning pre-school workouts. His laughter still echos around the cafeteria. His snaps are still lingering in the lockerbay. His terrible singing voice in the morning car rides still rings in my ears. But, his spirit still burns inside of us. His love still shines within us. And his light will forever be engraved in our hearts. This is what keeps me grounded. That the things that mattered most to him, will always be with me and being able to share that with other people he loved, is truly a blessing.
I wanted to thank you guys again for everything you have done in the past eight months for me and my family. The support and love we have received is truly like no other. I want to highlight the fundraiser I recently had with the Lamb Center in honor of Joel. We raised over three thousand dollars worth of clothing and necessities for the homeless including 421 shirts, 357 socks, 329 toiletries, 18 sleeping bags, 15 backpacks, and five tents. This is more than me and the Lamb Center could’ve ever asked for. It is beautiful seeing so many different communities come together to help people in need. By doing this you also helped me, for each box I opened, I received a reminder of my brother’s light. Thank you so much for your time and love through these rough times, it is truly a blessing to have such amazing people in my family’s lives.
All of the best,
Julia Byrne
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