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Thank You… Times 3
We laid Julie to rest yesterday. It was a very hard day but Julie was with us… I could feel it!
This blog WILL continue. Although we have closed one chapter we are opening a new one. I plan on documenting this new chapter, along with continuing to maintain Julie’s legacy and I WILL be posting here my latest efforts and campaigns to kill cancer. (I apologize for the less than eloquent prose of this post as words are failing me at present).
Finally, I post for all to read below, my tribute to my wife, confidant, and best friend.
THANK YOU…TIMES 3
My Dearest Julie,
Thank you for saying “yes” almost eleven years ago. That one word response simply made me the happiest and most fortunate man in God’s Kingdom. It provided me not only a partner with whom to share my deepest feelings, my biggest fears, my greatest moments, and my lowest moments but it provided me with an eternal sense of security in that I was loved simply because I was Brendan. Regardless of what life threw at me, I knew that I would have your unmitigated support to get me through it.
Over the years, I have developed a personal philosophy of trying not to take myself too seriously, and using humor to help get me through the ups and downs of life. I often wondered if I would ever find someone to share my life with that would have a similar philosophy as well as a sense of humor that was similar to mine. Fortunately, I did. When you were diagnosed and we got over the initial shock (which for you was about 24 hours and me about 24 days), you leaned on your sense of humor to help you live out each day of your life by having fun. I documented on our blog how you approached the administration of your first round of chemotherapy. When the nurse entered the room, she flippantly asked “how are you?” Without missing a beat, you responded, quite non-chalantly, “Well, I have a little bit of the Cancer today”. I don’t care who you are… That’s funny! I could go on and on with examples of your sense of humor.
Your acceptance of my marriage proposal allowed me to live with the most supportive partner one could ever ask for. If I enjoyed doing something or had my heart set on something you always supported me and found a way to make it happen even if it made your life more difficult or you had to sacrifice something you wanted or wanted to do. You were selfless to the extreme. Case in point, would be my love for basketball officiating. You were never a big sports fan, and quite frankly the game of basketball (which I grew up playing competitively all the way through college) was quite boring to you. But you knew I had a passion for officiating and always found a way to help me advance in the officiating ranks. You accepted the fact that you were a “basketball widow” from the months of late November through early February, because you knew it was important to me. In the offseason, you always made sure that the finances were in order for me to attend the many training clinics around the country as I have pursued my dream of moving up the officiating ladder. You never complained about being left with all three kids on a game night or a camp weekend (even though the past season you were battling cancer) and in fact you insisted that I keep an aggressive schedule because you knew how fulfilling officiating was to me outside of my family and professional life. You knew that it was my outlet and a chance for me to clear my head and do something I enjoyed… You also never complained about all the checks that showed up in the mailbox through the course of those 3 ½ months either!!! In fact, recently you made me reassure you that regardless of the outcome of our battle with Cancer, that I would find a way to continue to pursue my officiating goals. I promise you, baby, I will do that and will take comfort each time that I take the floor that you are right there with me… helping me to make the right calls and handle the difficult coaches and situations.
Not to long ago we were sitting around with Nancy Wilson (who more or less has become a spiritual advisor to us) reading some scripture and discussing our feelings and fears. It was one of the only times I saw a chink in your armor and you broke down. You were so concerned about what this battle was doing to me and made the statement to the effect, “I am so sorry for Brendan. This is so tough on him and had he known that this battle was in his future, he probably never would have chosen this path.” I have told you three times since that statement, once later that night, once a few weeks later during a late night at MD Anderson and one last time just before you passed away. That I would choose this very path knowing what would happen every day of the week and twice on Sunday’s because the short time we had together on this earth was more than worth the pain and suffering that I am experiencing right now at losing my best friend.
Thank You for providing me with 3 beautiful and loving children, who each and every day going forward will remind me of the 11 plus years we spent together… a year or so of dating and 10 years and 9 days of marriage. You were the perfect mother… patient yet stern, loving, selfless and dedicated. The list of positive adjectives is endless. The kids always came first to you and you always made sure that they knew they were loved immensely (notes in their lunchboxes for example), that they were constantly stimulated as you always had a cabinet full of activities for them to do on rainy days and took them on outdoor outings on sunny days. You always made sure that they were healthy and comforted them when they were sick and injured. You were so in tune with them, that you could immediately sense when they had an ear infection, while I would just assume that they were just whining and needed to “suck it up”. I hope and pray that over the years going forward I can become half the parent to those kids that you have been. I need you to gently guide and nudge me, Julie to do the right things for them because I am far less equipped in terms of parental aptitude to raise these kids than you ever were.
My commitment to you is that I will do everything I can to raise our kids as you would have wanted and make you proud. My goal is to have you smiling down from Heaven upon them as they grow and mature and become the successful and individuals that you surely would have turned them into had God not had other plans for you.
Julie, these kids will “KNOW” their mother. I will speak of you every day to them. I am already advising them that they can talk to you about anything… their fears, their sadness, their joys, successes, etc and that you will always hear them and be with them. Even though you will not be able to answer them in an audible voice, I have assured them that you will answer them by influencing their thoughts and actions and leaving them subtle signs that you are by their sides and have not abandoned them, but rather have gone to a place where you can be with each of them always, instead of only when you were physically with them here on earth.
Thank you, Julie for being my hero and inspiration as well as demonstrating to countless many how to live each and every day with strength, confidence and Faith in the Father Almighty. I mentioned earlier, after you were diagnosed it took you about 24 hours to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and dig your heels in to fight this insidious disease. Each and every time we received a setback and we were knocked to our knees, you quickly regained your strength and placed your Faith in Jesus that this was just a mere setback. You analyzed what are options going forward would be, you prayed upon them, made a decision and went forward knowing that this time it was going to produce the needed results. Obviously, we did not receive the results we were hoping for in terms of you beating the cancer here on earth, but I take comfort in know that you beat the cancer and are now reaping the rewards of your unwavering faith in the Kingdom of God . You did beat cancer as I told you in the hospital shortly before Jesus came to escort you to your home in Heaven. I believe that you did fulfill your goal in beating Cancer. You did not lose. For the only way to lose to cancer is to allow it to steal your spirit, your Faith and your motivation to live. Cancer can be beat in two ways, either by earthly medicine mixed with Faith in Jesus Christ or by living your life each day as Jesus would have wanted you to with unwavering strength, faith and courage and taking your rightful place in Heaven. The cancer is dead and you are alive and well in the Kingdom of the Lord finally free of this insidious disease.
Through our blog you were able to reach out to so many people and positively influence how they lived their life as well as quite possibly save some lives in the process both physically and spiritually. I have been told by many people that due to your candor and honesty about how your disease developed they have had their skin screened and in some cases had “suspicious” moles removed or moles that were in the early stages of melanoma removed. Additionally, you have saved people spiritually as well. I am atop that list as I had allowed my Faith in God to erode away. I know your good friend Jennifer Kerber has acknowledged that her spiritual life has been renewed. This is just two immediate examples, but if you read the blog you will see hundreds if not thousands of people, who have found God, returned to God or have strengthened their relationship with Him. And for that, you have truly done God’s work in bringing Faith into many lives here on earth.
You should have noticed a theme in this Eulogy. I have thanked, my dearest Julie three times over and told her 3 times that I would have married her knowing that our time would be short on three separate occasions as the number 3 is the cornerstone of our relationship.
Shortly after we were married we developed a non-verbal signal to express our love for each other. We called it “Two Tugs” as we would gently tug on each others ear twice to simply say “I Love You”. As we were drifting off to sleep we might exchange “Two Tugs”. Or if we were in a public place where we may not want to verbalize the message we would exchange “Two Tugs”. However, you decided that since we now have three wonderful children, the number should be changed to three. We would now exchange “3 Tugs” or give each other kisses in three’s.
I have trouble with things that I can not see or touch. When we recently discovered that are chances of defeating cancer here on earth were waning, I found myself in deep despair. I told Julie, that I HAD to know that she was with me. That she would have to find a way to show me a tangible sign and “speak” to me so that I would know without a doubt that she was by my side and guiding me through life as my Guardian Angel. “She said our sign will be the number 3. When ever you see or experience things in groups of three you will know that I am with you and by your side.” This gave me some comfort.
Julie, I know you have already spoken to me on THREE different occasions since you departed this earthly life. When we got to the hospital and we learned that your death was imminent, I immediately put in a call to our Church. Father Tran got their as soon as he could Friday morning to deliver last rites. Later that evening, Father Mike arrived and prayed over you that you would be comforted by the Father, that your pain would be eliminated, that your anxiety would be non-existent as the Father made his final preparations for your arrival in His Kingdom. Father Dan was out of town and did not arrive until late Saturday evening. As he was praying over you, Jesus came and took your hand from mine and carried you to Heaven. You left to be with the father upon the arrival of the third priest from our Church.
When I finally realized, you had ascended to heaven, one of the first things I noticed was the flower arrangement across the room on the counter that our friends, Matt and Lisa Davis had sent to us. In the middle of the bouquet, were three wonderfully vivid sunflowers… As you loved sunflowers, I knew it was you speaking to me and letting me know that you were present with me and comforting me as I grieved uncontrollably. It gave me comfort.
Lastly, when I attended the Life Teen mass this weekend the gospel was Luke 23:35- 23-45. It speaks of Jesus being crucified with two other criminals… totaling 3 simultaneous crucifixions at the time of Christ’s death. The final verse in the gospel reads, “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise’”.
I do not believe for one moment that any of these three examples were by chance. I know you were speaking to me. And as the third event tells me in the final verse of the gospel… you are with him today in paradise.
Until we meet again in person in paradise know that…
I LOVE YOU JULIE
I LOVE YOU JULIE
I LOVE YOU JULIE
Brendan-
You are a very fortunate man to have connected so deeply with another human being in your lifetime. What wonderful words.
I challenge those of you who have come to this site to read this blog to leave a message for the Lyons and Koch families.
As we sat and discussed this last night, while there may have only been 300+ post on the last entry, we KNOW the potential of more entries are out there. Dont be shy, let the family know they have tons of support.
Julie IS an amazing woman and she brought people together in so many ways. The show of support from family, friends, fellow basketball officials and people who did not personally know the family was just something to marvel at.
I pray that God gives everyone the strength and support involved to help get through this one day at a time.
Julie,
The words THANK YOU will never be enough for allowing me to share in your memories and providing me a renewed energy in my faith. I have never prayed soooooo hard for someone and I know deep down inside my heart, you know it.
My heart hurts for all those who are hurting but my heart also burns with a big fire too because I KNOW what you accomplished.
You won…
The kingdom of Heaven now gets to enjoy in all the great qualities that people have blogged about, talked about after the rosary and shared at the reception.
Your Army of Ants will continue to be strong, spread your word and most importantly BE THERE for all of your loved ones…no matter how close or far.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
YEAH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
JFLO
Oh my gosh, Brendan, I don’t know you other than the blog world - - but that was the most beautiful tribute and a wonderful gift for you to give to Julie. I am praying for you all.
What a wonderful tribute! You and your kids keep telling stories….and laughing and crying….and writing and praying.
Love to you all - I don’t even know you except through this blog.
God is good at all times in all circumstances.
(Hard to believe but so true in hindsight.)
~Mad(elyn) in Alabama
Wow! What a wonderful tribute to your wife! I don’t know either of you but I graduated from CLHS in 1988 and I have been following Julie’s story for quite some time.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and the story that you write about your wife, is truly inspiring.
God Bless all of you.
I’ve told you this many times, especially over the last week, but I’ll say it again… You are AMAZING, Bren. You have taught Brad and me so much. You are clearly being guided by God’s hand. I love you so much.
Julie - We miss you already and love you too!
That was a beautiful tribute. Julie was as lucky to have you as you to have her.
I am involved in Relay for Life and one thing I know is if we all work together we will find a way to cure cancer.
Continued prayers for you and everyone who was lucky enough to know and love Julie.
Brendan,
Your tribute to Julie was very moving and truly heartfelt.
I was completely struck by the following words: “The only way to lose to cancer is to allow it to steal your spirit, your Faith and your motivation to live.”
I love you like a brother and miss Julie’s presence in your life and mine already.
- Brad
Dear Lyons family,
I have followed your blog for a long time. I think the reason it hit close to home for me is because I am only a year older then Julie, I could very easily be her.
I admire the fact that throughout her battle you nor she never waivered in passion to beat this disease. I really never saw any ‘it’s hopeless’ kind of writing. As a matter of fact, you were both so positive I thought she might be one of the lucky ones to actually have a miracle and beat this disease. I’m sorry that wasn’t the case.
My other reason for posting (and I may be telling you something you all ready know) is there are companies that will print your blog into a hardcover book. I just thought I would put that out there in case you would want a ‘hardcopy’ of your blog for your children to read/touch/feel when they’re older. Blogs are great but you never know when something might be lost in cyberspace.
God bless.
This was one of the most - if not the most - moving and beautiful things I have ever read. Thank you so much for sharing this tribute with us. Julie taught us about joy, humor, faith, determination, and love. You have taught us about hope, partnership, devotion, selflessness (your own as well as hers), and strength. I count myself so fortunate to have known Julie and to be a part of your blog community.
May God and Julie bless, keep and watch over you and your children always.
God keep
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your wife. I weep as I read it…for your faith, for your love, and also for your inspiration. You are an incredible man, and a man of God. Thank you for sharing, and for touching so many lives, including mine.
As I sit here wiping my tears, I want you to know that was the most beautiful tribute and a wonderful gift for you to give to Julie and your children. I only know your family through your blog but I want you to know that there are many, many people out there praying for you and wishing the best for you and your family.
Oh my goodness, Brendan, I’ve never read anything as romantic or touching as your eulogy for your beautiful wife. I obviously have never met either one of you, but oh, I wish I could have known Julie! What an inspiration she is to me in my daily struggles with life in general. It’s such a blessing to know that God is in our lives and that if we allow Him to, we will always be strong and capable, loving, and sure of our place in His Kingdom. I had missionaries from my church over last night and we were discussing this very thing, about how wonderful and beautiful our lives can be, no matter what our trials and tribulations, but we have to allow or Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ into our lives. That’s where the real joy and peace come from. With Their divine love to guide us, we have no other option but to be happy and we don’t have to fear anything that lies ahead of us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your most private thoughts with us. I look forward to reading about your lives as you continue on.
Brendan,
That was absolutely the most beautiful testimony to love and faith that I have ever read. Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing this blog. I pray for the strength for you to get through this week first of all, because I feel that will be the hardest, and then the stregth to keep on going. I pray for a support system for you, which it seems like you have-your army…
And you are right, NONE of this is by chance. Life is not a game of chance. God is right there with us, guiding us always. Whether we choose His way is up to us though.
I’ll keep you in my thoughts-and prayers.
What a beautiful tribute to your wife. She was as lucky to have you as you were to have her.
I will continue to pray for you and your three gorgeous children. I hope your memories of the wonderful life you had with Julie will see you through the bad times.
God bless you all.
Zoe
Brendan,
There’s not a writer on this earth who could have honored Julie in such a beautiful way. What a moving tribute. Such love is definitely a blessing from above.
You and your family have been and will be in my prayers.
Julie
Thank you, thank you, thank you,…
I didn’t have a chance to tell Julie how much I appreciate what she has done not only for me and my career, but for my family as well. I worked for Julie. She is the reason that I have moved from being a construction foreman, into estimating and eventually construction management. She saw in me the ability that I didn’t see in myself. She was always behind me giving me encouragement. I will miss her smiling face, her joking around with her brother, and her leadership that she showed. Julie made it a joy to come to work everday. She wanted her company to be succesfull, and I’m going to do my best to keep that wish of hers. To Brendan, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,…
For your moving words and your courage. Thank you for reminding me what true love is. Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we foreget what really matters.
Brendan,
What a beautiful tribute.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace that surpasses all human understanding comfort you in the days ahead. You are never alone.
Grace and peace,
Tricia
Brendan,
Wow, that is absolutley beautiful! Having never met Julie it is still clear to me what an amazing woman she is. I am one of the many people who have been inspired by her to live my faith more and enjoy and be thankful for each day. I am just as moved by you and your faith. We will continue to pray for you and your family daily. Thank you for sharing Julie with those of us who never met her.
Brendan,
I have followed Julie’s story for a long time and was deeply sadened last week. You wrote a beautiful piece for her. I’m sure it will be cherished forever by her and your 3 sweet little children.
In Him,
Crissy
That was such a beautiful and touching tribute to your wife. You are right. She touched so many lives with her strong spirit, unwavering faith and beautiful soul. We will continue to pray and think of the Lyons…
By continuing to share your family’s story, you are continuing to honor Julie and her work here on earth. Thank you for continuing to reach out. God bless and my prayers are with your entire family!
Dear Brendan,
We were so sorry to hear about Julie. I know we haven’t ever met, but we are linked (I guess both emotionally and by website) to each other through dealing with cancer. Dealing with our baby Jaymun’s leukemia was tough, but losing someone to cancer is infinitely more painful. We send you all the love and prayers of comfort through this small message. Julie was and I’m sure will continue to be, an inspiration to so many people who read your website. She was a woman of wonderful encouragement and hope and a mother who knew that your three children would be left in the best care possible–because she picked YOU as their daddy. May God hold you up and wrap you in His arms through the days and months ahead.
Brendan,
Thank you for sharing your beaitufl devotional to Julie with us. It was inspiring to every married couple in that church. Julie was very blessed to have you. I can recall her “bragging”
about what you did around the house to help her long before she had cancer. In the years that I’ve known you I have always observed you to be a a very “hands on” type of Dad. There are not too many men like that! Also, I’ve witnessed many times how you have interacted with your 3 children and believe they are truly blessed to have you.
I know your intuition will be enhanced and it will become second nature to you when the kids become sick with a fever or ear infection.
I did want to tell you that Julie was a very positive role model for me. When I was around her she was always so joyful, positive, energetic and exuberant that I just had reflect the warmth and love she was emitting. She always made me feel so good when I was around her. She did make me feel like I was the most important person as she was always genuinely interested in how I was or what I was doing. I always admired her self confidence too. Just being around her made me want to be a better person. It was an honor and privilege to know Julie.
Spiritually, I also felt she was a real example of a Catholic Christian mother and wife. The way she just radiated love, kindness and patience with everyone especially her family was such a prime example of that. SHe always treated people the way the bible says you should.
I know Julie and I talked several times about how important it was for her to have the kids raised in a Catholic Christian home and school. Her faith was always important to her in the 6 or 7 yrs. that I knew her. SHe truly led her life as a Christian and helped me to strengthen my own relationship with the Lord. As a result of my praying for her I found myself becoming even closer to the Lord than I could imagine. My faith has been strengthened because of the 2 of you also. Thank you both for helping me.
My prayers will continue and I will pray for the peace, comfort and love that God will send your way.
Please know that as your friend and neighbor I can help oout in any way.
Praise God!
Yvette N.
Your friend and neighbor,
Brendan~
Your faith and love and Hope are evident in your words shared in this post. I am thrilled for you to have known such a deep, real love with Julie and that it lasted for 10+ years. Some people live a lifetime and never experience for a moment the joy you shared in your relationship with your beautiful wife and friend. You were blessed…but I can sense that you are STILL blessed, as you will forever carry the love and memories with you in heart, soul, mind and spirit. I have no doubt that Julie will continue to ‘inspire and speak’ to you in the coming days, months and years. It is bittersweet…I know full well. But I will pray that her spirit will comfort you and guide you in the decisions and attitude you will need from here on out. Your kids have an amazing set of parents. Julie is still and always will be their mom. YOU will always be their rock and their connection to her as they grow and wonder and ask and remember. I know you will honor her memory and you can all be proud of the testimony of faith and love and endurance that you have developed on this journey. I wish you all the best- and will pray especially hard for you in the coming weeks as we approach Christmas. There will be hard days. There will be moments when you will not be able to breathe. But I assure you that Joy still exists in abundance in this world. And you will find it even as you grieve and miss Julie. May you find comfort, peace and rest…as well as happiness and love. Even on the hardest days.
Love and prayers to you and all the Koch/Lyons family members.
Very sincerely, and with heartfelt condolences…
Brendan –
I know you only through Carrie’s blog and have followed your family’s trials and tribulations from the start. Your words to your wife are beautiful. I thought of Julie so many times this week, as I have three children of my own just about the same ages of your beautiful children! I have no doubt that you will continue to be a wonderful father to them, and that Julie will continue to help raise them in her own way!
Please except my sincere condolences and I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Holly Child
Brendan, Kids, Angie, Sherry, Koch’s, and Lyon Families;
This past week has been physically and emotionally draining and I know you must all be beyond exhausted at this point. But I wanted to applaud and encourage you in that you all went through this process united and as one. Difficult and emotional times doesn’t always bring the out the best in people — but IT DID IN YOU! That’s very special! You all had the common goal that you wanted to celebrate Julie’s life and all that she was to soooooo many people - and that’s exactly what you accomplished. Everyone I’ve spoken with was very touched by the visitation on Wednesday as well as the funeral on Thursday. It was a special time of grieving and remembering for all who attended — sometimes with tears ….other times with laughter…and sometimes with hugs…and yes, a few of us even grieved with food (I admit I had 2 pieces of Italian Cream Cake (Julie would have wanted me to have 2!)). Bravo for the support you gave each other and all who loved your wife/mom/sister/daughter/daughter in law etc, Julie,and I know you’ll continue to support each other similarly in the future. You’re a very special family and me along with the long list of army of ants will continue to pray blessings and comfort for you in the days ahead. Love ya,
RM
That was beautiful
Brendan,
I kind of touched on it at the visitation about how you cared for Julie and how I will always have this picture of you holding on my couch. What I didn’t say and what I don’t want to go unsaid is that Julie was very blessed to have you! You were right there every step of the way supporting and caring for Julie -not all husbands or people for that matter are capable of doing that. I personally learned alot from watching you take care of Julie and feel blessed from the times I’ve spent with both of you.
I pray that God continues to strengthen and guide you over these next weeks and months and that you will find comfort, peace and joy.
Love,
T
Oh, my that is just so beautiful and uplifting. You and your family are an inspiration to me and hope you know so many of us are out here holding you in our thoughts and hearts through these difficult days. Please take good care of yourself.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us here, Brendan. I’m honored to have read it.
Sending you love,
Gillian
Brendan,
Your eulogy was a beautiful tribute to your soulmate. Julie was an inspiration to me. We never know when the trials of life will be upon us and how we will react. I can only hope that I will have the courage and faith that Julie had. The strength and love that you gave her in the last year played no small part. Just by coincidence, my family was in Rome a few short weeks after you guys were there. I could totally relate to Julie’s first impression of gelato. You’re a wonderful husband and father and God bless you.
Brendan,
I never realized there were words to express so much love but that’s exactly what you did. Not that I could not see it with my own eyes when we were around you guys…you two had something a lot of people never experince and I’m so grateful we could be a small part of your world.
Not sure how I stumbled on your blog but I’ve been a faithful reader for a few months and have celebrated the wins and mourned the losses right along with you.
Thank you for sharing the intimate and beautifully written letter to Julie with your readers.
I will pray for your happiness and can’t wait to read about all the “3’s” you WILL encounter!
Brendan,
I am deeply honored to have been able to read such a heartfelt and genuine tribute that you wrote for your remarkable with, Julie. I have only known you all through this blog, but in the short time that I have visited, I have always felt a sense of peace and faithfulness that is rare these days…especially through a website as opposed to be with a person in real life. You two were able to touch countless lives through this blog and to not only connect on an emotional level, but also on a spiritual one as well. I have struggled greatly with my faith since I lost my son Caleb in the year 2000, but finding people such as you and your beloved wife help me to believe that I may find my faith again…just maybe.
My wish for you is that you are able to continue Julie’s beautiful legacy, especially with your 3 lovely children. May you all find peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead and KNOW that Julie is never far from you…she is always, always, always in your hearts and can never be taken from you.
Thank you for allowing us into your lives and for allowing us to get to know you, Julie and your beautiful family. Peace be with you all…forever.
Brendan,
I am deeply honored to have been able to read such a heartfelt and genuine tribute that you wrote for your remarkable wife, Julie. I have only known you all through this blog, but in the short time that I have visited, I have always felt a sense of peace and faithfulness that is rare these days…especially through a website as opposed to being with a person in real life. You two were able to touch countless lives through this blog and to not only connect on an emotional level, but also on a spiritual one as well. I have struggled greatly with my faith since I lost my son Caleb in the year 2000, but finding people such as you and your beloved wife help me to believe that I may find my faith again…just maybe.
My wish for you is that you are able to continue Julie’s beautiful legacy, especially with your 3 lovely children. May you all find peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead and KNOW that Julie is never far from you…she is always, always, always in your hearts and can never be taken from you.
Thank you for allowing us into your lives and for allowing us to get to know you, Julie and your beautiful family. Peace be with you all…forever.
Dear Brendan,
Through this blog, I have gotten to “know” your family. My heart broke for you last Sunday when I checked the blog and learned of Julie’s passing. I just read your beautiful tribute to your wife and mother of your children. May God, along with Julie, watch over you, Hallie, Jack and Kendall as you learn how to live your life here on earth without her.
Sincerely, Jamie
I have never read something so moving. I could not help but cry when I read it. I pray that my own relationship with my husband can be that deep. You and your family have showed all of us what it means to love someone.I know Julie will always be with you Brendan, and I hope you will find peace again!! God Bless You!!!
Hugs,
Christy
Brendan,
I’m another person who only knows you through Carrie’s blog. Your story has touched more people than you can ever begin to imagine. You and Julie truly are a shining example of “faith, hope, and love”.
My husband and I were on A&M’s campus Wednesday night for the basketball game, and I couldnt quit thinking about Julie and the pics of her and Jenn Kerber on campus. We went to the Sul Ross statue and put a penny there for Julie, and one for you and the kids. Julie aced her hardest test. I pray that you and the kids will, too. Know that you are surrounded by some amazing people who love all of you dearly and tons of strangers who are praying for you constantly.
Many Blessings,
April
That was the most beautiful tribute to Julie! Your army of ants continues to walk with you. Hugs and prayers to you, Brendan, the kids and all of the Koch and Lyons family.
Brendan,
I was hoping that you would post these beautiful words on this blog after you delivered them so eloquently at Julie’s service. I wanted to experience them again and I’m so glad that others have now gotten to do so as well. It was a wonderful eulogy to a truly remarkable woman. I’ll always miss her smile, her wave and her amazing spirit. Although I’ll miss it, I’m so grateful to be one of the many, many people affected by it. She’ll always be an inspiration to us. All of our support is with you and the kids.
– Kim and Doug Ray
Brendan -
As everyone came back to the office yesterday, the ALL spoke of the wonderful tribute to Julie.
As I sit here reading your words, I am so touched by it.
You and Julie both are so lucky to have found each other. To experience love at that level is so rare.
Your children will be guided by you and by Julie. They have such a wonderful support system in you, and in their permanent angel. They will speak to her and she will listen and guide them.
Your strength is amazing. Your courage is as well. But your (and Julie’s) faith is inspiring. As a result of reading Julie and your story, my husband and I are planning on joining a church.
May God’s Blessings continue to you and your family and friends.
Margaret (Mohr) Moellenberndt
Brendan,
Thank you so much for sharing your tribute to Julie. It was beautiful at the funeral, and I appreciate being able to read it again. I’m very encouraged that you are continuing the blog. Please do not hesitate to let us know when there is an opportunity for us to help in any way. We continue to pray for you and the kids.
All our love,
James and Charelle Webb
Brendan~
I met Julie several years ago through a friend, and saw her on many occasions at birthday parties, bunco, and neighborhood events. (Yes,I live in the “hood”) I want you to know that I had my moles checked in early October because of Julie, and had four removed. I will be going back on a regular basis. I have shared Julie’s story with many friends, and know that two of them have made appointments this month to get checked. I want you to know, that even though I did not know Julie well, I feel like I have lost a dear friend. I feel blessed to have known her. I grieve with you and I celebrate her life with you! What an amazing person she is! You and your precious children and family will be in my daily thoughts and prayers….and I would be honored to help out in any way at any time! I pray that you find peace in your many wonderful moments and memories, and comfort knowing that you have so many friends who are lifting you and your family up in prayer!
YEAH GOD!
Sarah
beautiful. god bless.
Brendan,
I’m speechless after reading that tribute to your Julie. It’s amazing to see how great of a love you two shared, and will continue to share, because she IS watching over you and your 3 beautiful children. You are an amazingly strong person, and I can see that you both pulled that strength from each other, and our Father as well. I really am speechless, so to sum it up, you and yours are in my prayers daily, and it goes without saying that you will continue to do Julie justice and continue the fight. God Bless you and your family.
Yay God!
My prayers are with you. I am reminded of 2 Timothy 4:7…I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept my faith.
I have no doubt that you will be inundated with 3s.
What a phenomenal tribute to whom could only have been an exceptional woman/wife/mother/daughter/sister/friend.
Dear Brenden,
As someone who never knew or met Julie (read about your family frequently through Carrie’s blog) I want you to know how much your family has taught me about love and living life to the fulliest. I was moved to tears by your eulogy and Julie was one lucky, blessed lady to have had you to support her through life, motherhood, cancer and death. Your blog has taught many, many people about gratitude and love and how important it is to show those you care about that you do, each and every day.
I am sending white, clear energy to you and the kids right now and thinking of you. Please know that Julie’s life has made a difference to so many people and she will continue to do so. What an incredible legacy she has left for your children. What a gift.
I am so very sorry.
Julie’s life has made a difference in mine.
I will always be checking back and praying for comfort for you and your beautiful family.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful tribute. During the year I’ve followed this blog, I felt like I got to know Julie and all of you and what an incredible person she is. Though I’m a total stranger, I’ve spent the entire week thinking of you all and being heartbroken. I’m a year older than Julie and had my first baby earlier this year and can’t stop thinking how unfair it is that she had to go so soon. I’m another one who had a mole looked at as a result of this blog, in fact I was being seen at the time you were laying her to rest and told the dermatologist about Julie. I find myself telling so many people about her, her positive attitude and how strong you all have been through this.
I’m happy that you will keep blogging and hope you don’t mind that I will keep reading. I don’t pray but I will keep you all in my thoughts and hope that you often see the signs of 3 so you know Julie is with you all the time.
This is such a beautiful post. Add me to the list of those praying for you and your family. Your family is a true inspiration.
I have been thinking of you all this week, and kept a special place in my thoughts for you, Julie,your beautiful children and your family on Thursday as you laid Julie to rest.
Thank you for sharing your Eulogy here for those of us that have followed Julie’s story and have prayed for you all over the past months, even though we never had the privilege to ‘know’ her outside of cyberspace. Your tribute was so beautiful and heartfelt and you were both truly blessed to have found in each other that someone that enriches your life the way nobody else can.
Your statement about not letting cancer beat you really touched my heart. I lost my own father to cancer last year on Valentines Day and then this year lost another dear friend. This awful disease affects too many people. Both yours and Julie’s fight to make people more self aware has been inspirational, especially as you were going through so much yourselves. You should be so proud of your efforts, because you have had an amazing influence on so many people.
With much love and prayers
Jodene(in Australia)
What a beautiful post. I just had a thought on your number 3, Julie will be with you with every prayer you say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless you and your family.
This was a beautiful tribute to your beautiful wife and your beautiful family.
Even when you at a lost for words, you are awesome in sharing your life!
God Bless you Brendan
God Bless you Brendan
GOd Bless you Brendan!
Julie’s struggle was not in vain. I hardly knew Julie and yet she influenced the life of my family enormously. Your courage and devotion to your lovely wife and children is going to continue to be an inspiration to many people. I don’t think there was a dry eye in church when you read your Eulogy. My 9 year-old son put his head on my shoulder (in public–no less) and I had to pass him a tissue. You and Julie brought out the best in others in person and through this blog. I appreciate that it will continue. Everyone wants to help “pay it forward” and that is exactly how God wants us to live. “‘Faith apart from works is dead’: (Jas. 2:26) when it is deprived of hope and love, faith does not fully unite the believer to Christ and does not make him a living member of his Body.” (CCC 1815)
My thoughts and prayers are with the Lyons and Koch families. Julie is indeed cancer free. She was a true inspiration to all. May God continue to strengthen you with his love and care.
Wow! That is an amazingly beautiful tribute to your wonderful wife. We will continue to pray for all of Julie’ family & friends during this very difficult time. You have so many memories to cherish. From heaven, I know that she will be guiding you and your precious children.
Our heart aches for your family - please know that you are in our prayers a million times a day! Thank you for sharing your intimate story. (one of your ants from FL)
Brendan - thank you for posting the eulogy as many of my friends view your blog. I love all of you so much and will forever miss Julie. She was going to take care of me in my old age.
God Bless You.
Funny how complete stangers can touch my life so deeply. I’ve been awed by your constant faith and perseverance. Thank you for sharing your lovely tribute to your amazing soldier of a wife. MY life is changed just by the power if your words.
I love how there are 3’s all around you. Your sweet children - there’s the biggest example of Julie being right there with you always.
I know your life will be filled with blessings.
God bless.
I have followed your journey through your blog via Carrie’s blog. Julie TRULY HAS BEEN and will continue to be an inspiration in my life. While Julie has passed on, her spirit will always be close and will remain a constant in you and your families lives. Thank you for sharing her with so many people and allowing her to touch so many lives in the process. Sending many thoughts and prayers your way!
Brendan,
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing your heart with us both, at the service and again here. Your love for Julie is perhaps the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed. You were so very blessed to have found each other. And, Brendan, you are the best husband Julie could have ever wanted or had. When God puts together the next edition of His dictionary, your picture will be next to “godly man,” “true,” “faithful,” and “overcomer,” representative of one who didn’t fail his wife and family in crisis, but put them in God’s hands and led the way.
I was glad to have met Rachel at the cemetery. It will be good for you two to stay in touch as you go through the grieving process and as your Julie and her Gerald went through the Melanoma fight together, you’ll have much to share. You have such a wonderful family and friend support system in place, too, Brendan.
You’re very blessed in so many ways, but you’re beginning a new journey in your life, one that is going to be frought with emotions and unfamiliar deepths. Holding on to God is going to be of utmost importance, but you may find that you need additional support, like grief counseling or a grief recovery support group. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. It wasn’t readily available to me 20 years ago when I lost my husband, although I did get some counseling from my pastor. It just wasn’t sufficient to deal with all of the of emotions that assailed me over the ensuing months. If I may offer some motherly advice (you’re about the same age as my son) like I haven’t a million times already, don’t hold it in. Talk it out. I know you don’t really know me, but I’m a good listner and I keep confidences. Ask Nanwil and Kim. The only one I spill the beans on is me. Also, I’m here in the neighborhood, so if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.
My Prayer Group of 40 plus from Lakewood and around the world, also send their condolences, but we know, as you yourself said, though God didn’t answer our prayers the way we prayed He would, Julie did receive her healing in the arms of Jesus. She fought the good fight of faith and won the victory through Jesus, our Lord! Hallelujah! And you will, too.
I know Julie was all around us at the funeral. I started counting three’s at the cemetery: three running partners, three from Bible Study, numerous floral arrangements had sets of three kinds of flowers in them at the reception, the three crosses on the back wall in the gym, the board in the gym had 3’s all over it…and every time I saw you throughout the day, you were always with at least two other people. And as I was leaving, Hallie, Jack and Kendall were playing in the courtyard under the watchful eye of their Grandpa Koch. That’s the best set of three. Julie will always be with you through them. You only have to look at them and you can see Julie in their eyes and smiles.
Before I close this epistle, I am reminded of the last time I saw Julie out shopping…I just ran into her at Tuesday Morning. I will never forget it, because she was glowing, literally glowing from the inside out. Not that phoney “Touched by an Angel” backlighting; she was glowing. She looked like an angel. I just kept looking at her…I could barely speak, she was so breathtakingly beautiful. I believe now that God gave me a glimps of what was to come. I shared it once before with you both here on the blog, not with the speculation of seeing what was to come. But I felt I had to share it with you again because I believe God let me see that so that you can know that Julie really is like an angel now. I think that’s because she never gave up or let go of her faith in God’s love. Julie, you go girl!
God bless you, Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall, and the Lyons and Koch families. You are all in my prayers.
YAY GOD! YAY GOD! YAY GOD!
Love, hugs, and prayers,
Debra
Brendan, What you have written here is simply BEAUTIFUL. It’s impossible to express any kind of feelings better than you just did…. I would say that you have just gotten a divine inspiration…or perhaps help from any Angel from Above….???
Who knows. In any case we encourage you to keep blogging on…as you said this is just one closed chapter. The blog is part of Julie’s legacy ad it will shine forever her memories. Tha cancer did not beat Julie, it just made her UNFORGETABLE for most of us.
WE WILL NEVE FORGET HER. Her bracelet will remember her: HOPE, FAITH, COURAGE
Brendan,
What a beautiful tribute to you lovely wife. I’ve only come to know your family through this blog. How I found my way here I do not know, a scrapper’s blog, but not sure which one, maybe Carrie’s it was the first time I visited the blog and it lead me here.
This ant is still praying for your family everyday and that you may find peace knowing that Julie is in heavan.
Brendan,
The funeral was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus welcomed her with open arms and the greeting we all hope to receive when it is our turn to go home and that is “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” She was a jewel and we were blessed to know her.
Linda Hughes
Thursday was a beautiful service and your tribute to Julie was incredible! You both have inspired so many people and have certainly strengthened my Faith. You and your 3 little ones will always be in my thoughts and prayers - In Faith, Hope, and Love Julie will always be with you.
Such beautiful words to Julie! And seeing things in three’s, how cool is that? Julie is all around you. Your heart is rich and I thank you for sharing this time of your life through your blog.
I’ve been struggling with my faith for some time now but I have HOPE again, it is a mustard seed but a seed planted.
Thank you Julie and Brendan.
Amy
Brenndan,
There is nothing I would want more said at the end of my life then that people found God, returned to God, or strengthened their relationship with Him through my life. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and Julie, thank you so much for helping me to see that God died so that we might have abundant life starting here and now…I don’t want to waste a drop of it.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. Our prayers are with all of you.
Brendan- we love you- we love Hallie, Jack and Kendall- and we will always love Julie.
My life has changed- I will try my best to live by the example Julie gave to us- my precious niece and godchild… Julie is with you all, a beautiful angel looking down. Our prayers our with you all.
Brendan, your tribute to Julie was so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing it with all of us who could not be there. It brought tears to my eyes to be able to read the love you had and will continue to have for each other. I know 3’s will continue to pop up eveywhere for you and I hope we will continue to hear about those occasions when you feel you can share them. My prayers are with you and your 3 beautiful childern!!
Brendan,
Your tribute to Julie was amazing. She continues to be an inspiration to all of us. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Raquel
Brendan, I just recently found my way here also through Carrie’s blog. It sure didn’t take much time at all to see the love and joy that came from your special family. Thank you for sharing with those of us who didn’t have the wonderful chance of knowing Julie personally. What a remarkable woman. You and your special family will be in my prayers and I hope you continue to see those wonderful 3s in the the days ahead of you.
Brenden-
Your tribute to Julie is one of the most powerful things I have ever read. Julies earthly life and your words have inspired me to be a better wife, friend, and child of God. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
God bless you all!
Leah
Brenden,
I have followed your blog as I stumbled accross it through others…and have kept reading up on everything… I hadn’t ‘checked in’ in a few days to see this today. As I wipe my tears away w/o even knowing you personally my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family thorugh this time. The amazing words you spoke (wrote) of Julie touched me, inspired me and truly shows the power of the love you both will always share.
God Bless you and your family.
Marirosa Anderson
Brenden,
I too agree your tribute to Julie was awesome. You are truly blessed as we have been. Julie was a special person in my life that made me feel like part of her family over two years ago when I first moved here to Texas. She did not just give me a job but encourged me to be all I could be and more and those words will always ring true in my head as if I am hearing them again, “Christine can do it! She had all the confidence in the world for both of us. There were times that we spend driving home and she would call, and we would just talk.I always got home before her, many times Brent would come home and I was sitting in the driveway having girl talk.
We had some spiritual moments, I knew her faith in Heavenly Father was very stong.
And then the fun times picking on Lil Joe. I should probably continue that Julie would have liked that.
I was reading some e-mails I had received from her in Sept/Oct. I had sent her some Wedding Pics and she commented on Brents Pink Tie. I had replied that I was not sure But I could probably get Brent to let Brenden borrow the tie, And her reply was She had gotten you a Pink Shirt once because she thought you had great skin color to wear pink and most men can’t pull it off. But you were resistant and believed even being near a pink shirt could make you gay. And she laughed. After you spoke at the funeral and were walking down the isle I noticed the pink shirt. At that moment the tears were flowing and I spotted the pink shirt Brent turned and said you are laughing? I said I think julie is.
The last few weeks at work we had decided that Wednesday would be the day we would wear yellow, Julies favorite color, to show our support for her. Yellow will always remind me of Julie. My Boss, Friend, Texas Family. I know I have been blessed to have had her in my life. Our prayers and thoughts are for you & Hallie, Jack, Kendell.
Big Hugs!
Christine & Brent
First, what a beautiful photo of you, Julie and the kids. If I’m not mistaken, that is Chillon Castle in Montreux, Switzerland! That is right down the street from where my parents live! Now, when I am visiting it will remind me of your family and Julie’s courageous battle.
Your tribute to Julie was incredible! It really took my breath away. Particularly when you said “For the only way to lose to cancer is to allow it to steal your spirit, your Faith and your motivation to live.” In all the time you have been blogging about your battle with this horrible disease, I have never once seen your faith waiver and I have never seen your spirit lost. This has honestly inspired me. Things have been rough for our family, but your never ending faith and trust in God and your spirit of life has reminded me many times during your battle what is important and that even at the lowest times God is right there with us helping us carry the load. Thank you Brendan. Thank you for sharing your story here, thank you for sharing Julie and thank you for sharing your heart.
Peace and comfort be with you.
Take Care.
Brendan,
I have never read a more beautiful or heartfelt expression of love and devotion for one person toward another. Julie was a true inspiration to all of us who followed her brave fight against this dreaded disease.
May God bless you and your family.
Ed
i agree with all those writing before me. your tribute to julie left me and chuck speechless and quite teary eyed. it changed us. our relationship. forever. it’s not just julie that can nspire, it’s you too. thank you for making every married couple a little tigher on thursday. terry, chuck, eliza and trudie
brendan, i am so so sorry. i am sitting here just filled with tears at your eloquent letter to your bride.
i lost my first husband to metastatic melanoma 11 years ago. he was diagnosed when i was only a few weeks pregnant with our third child. he died 7 months later. my girls were all under the age of 3. he too loved basketball and played in college for Grace in Indianna.
you will carry on her legacy
you will love those babies
you will make her proud.
you will be in my prayers
Brendan, you and your family are in my prayers, and I offer my deepest condolences on your indescribable loss. I am a latecoming ant, and I knew you and your lovely, strong, amazing wife only briefly through this blog, and my life has been made better for it. I volunteer with Hospice as a spiritual care counselor, and I work with families like yours every day. I have never known anyone who was so spiritually aware and connected and engaged as Julie was. You are indeed a lucky man, and I wish you peace and comfort as you continue raising your beautiful children in Julie’s light and love.
So moved by your words and your love for your wife. You were certainly (and will continue to be) such a blessing to one another. May God give you tremendous comfort during this time to your entire family. Your faith is strong and your perserverance unfathomable. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! May God bless.
I have been reading your blog for a long time now, and wanted to offer my sympathies. I have been truly touched by Julie’s story. Both of you were truly blessed to have each other. Those are beautiful words Brendan, and I am sure that Julie carries them with her in her heart.
Brendan,
Your tribute to our Julie brought tears to my eyes at the church, and today at my home. What a remarkable couple you both were. Your love and admiration for one another is inspiring. We were so very blessed to have the opportunity to meet someone like Julie. We found that she managed to bring us once again closer God. We will miss her so much. She was one of a kind. Each day I will be reminded of Julie, her laugh, and her morning runs down the ECC hall with Jack as I drop my daughter off. My husband will remember her as he says “More Better”. I will continue to share her story with all my policy holders that are fighting cancer to inspire them to enjoy each day to the fullest, to never give up, and to have faith in God. We will miss Julie, but she will always be in our hearts.
Brendan,
Once again I have to tell you how incrdibly sorry I am for your loss. It’s true I haven’t seen Julie since we were in high school, but I feel such a great sense of sadness knowing that she is gone. Last year when I first heard of Julie’s battle and posted a messageon the blog, I made a comment, saying that I wasn’t sure if she rememnbered me, but that I was praying for her. I was completly amazed when a few days later I recieved an e-mail from Julie, and continued to receive even more through out the past year. Even though we hadn’t seen eachother since highschool and with everything she had going on in her life, Julie still took time out to e-mail me, see how I was doing and found out about what was going on my life. It’s obvious that’s the kind of person Julie was….always putting other people before her. I too will always remember Julie with her shining smile and am blessed to have known her. I will also always treasure those e-mail that I’ve reveived from her during the last year.
My prayer go out to you Brendan, your THREE beautiful children and Lyons and Koch families!!
YAY GOD !
YAY GOD!
YAY GOD !!
…….AND MOST OF ALL…YAY JULIE !!
We have never met…yet I feel as though I have been given the greatest honor imagineable. I have had the priceless privelege of glimpsing your families heroic battle with cancer through your amazing blog and through your good friend (my neighbor) Natalie Batt. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and emotions, your struggles and your triumphs. You and Julie have inspired me to live my life in such a purposeful manner…giving special thought and attention to the little things that I may have overlooked before. I am remembering to acknowledge the gift of each new day with my family, and I am no longer taking for granted the simple pleasures in life. Julie has taught me so much. She has inspired me to live my life with such an attitude of thanksgiving and gratitude. If only she could have known how many times a day I stop to adjust my perspective, response, or tone of voice…reminding myself that Julie was facing something so much more significant than my petty daily hardships, and yet she endured with such grace. I want to face my life with the same unwavering faith and perserverance. Her life, and the way she chose to live it, has made a lasting impact on mine. Your families honesty and willingness to share has been such a gift and blessing to us all. You and your children are in my prayers daily. What peace your sweet Julie must have had… knowing that her children would continue to experience the love and comfort of her soul-mate and best friend. You have given Julie such a gift by always expressing your love and loyalty to her - both in actions and WORDS!! You left nothing unspoken in your marriage, and I hope that you find peace and comfort…knowing with certainty that Julie knew your heart backwards, forwards, and inside-out. Dwight L. Moody has said…
It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shining -
They just shine!!!
What a beautiful illustration of Julie’s life here on Earth. SHINE ON, JULIE!!! You have truly been a beacon of light and hope to us all!!!
May God bless you and your family always.
What a beautiful tribute to your wife, and children’s mom! You had be bawling. Absolutely beautiful, she must have been amazing!
I loved what you said about beating cancer.
Thank you!
Hugs, Megan (tannersmom)
Brendan,
Thank you for sharing that beautiful tribute about Julie. I lost my mother to Cancer when I was 16, and I still see signs from her that she is with me, and I know that you will also see evidence that Julie is with you and your children too, always.
You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Allen
Comfort at this time comes from believing that God does have a plan…we may not understand it…or even be able to accept it…but he does have a plan.
Afterall, how many people plan a trip to Europe when they are in the midst of planning cancer treatments! It was all in God’s plan for that family to go to Switzerland, and for Brendan to take Julie to Rome…They had a WONDERFUL time. And Brendan can feel that he did everything possible to bring some happiness into their lives at a very difficult time.
The photo that Brendan posted—I took that picture—I actually saw those smiling faces…
Brendan did everything he could for my daughter….
shirl
Brendan,
I am one of the countless people who had some of the same issues that Julie did–moles changing during pregnancy, etc. I hadn’t been to the doctor and went after reading Julie’s story. Thank you for being so public about your fight, for sharing your story with us, and for sharing your faith. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Lisa
Brendon,
I miss Julie each day. You and the children are on my mind constantly. I hope to be half of the husband to Mary that you were to Julie. At “T” said, you are a special person for all you did for Julie.
Remember, we are here for you. My life is forever changed. Not one day will be taken for granted.
Referring back to the photo—Brendan, Hallie and Jack had just finished a swim in Lake Geneva…
shirl
I just noticed that at this moment there are 333 comments on the post announcing that Julie went home to be with Jesus.
Dear Brendan,
Thank you for sharing your and Julie’s story in such a touching and public way. I am praying for you all.
Brendan, your post was so beautiful. Thoughts from me to you and your children…
Brendan your post is amazing. I’m thinking of you and the kids everyday. I scrapbook and if you ever want to put together a memorial album of sorts - I would love to do it for you at cost of supplies only - no labour. It isn’t much - but something I can offer. Email me if you ever want to do something like that. Hugs to you and your family. I know that Julie will wrap you in her love everyday. Lisa
So beautifully written. Praying for you to have peace and comfort.
Brendan,
I am so sorry for your loss, your children’s loss and the loss being experienced by your family and friends. Even those of us who never met Julie in person but through the blog feel the loss. Your tribute will stay with all of us and be an example of how it should be when you marry your best friend. You and Julie have been tremendous examples of how to walk through fire holding on to God and laughing at the days to come. I loved what you said about Julie beating cancer by keeping her spirit, faith and will to live (three things!) So she won! And now she’s free to celebrate by spending eternity with Him. May He continue to bring you peace and hope in the days ahead.
Brendan,
I’m not sure if you’ll read this…but I thought I would share anyway.
Last Thursday was our wedding aniversary. Naturally, we were not up for doing much celebrating that day. Mike went out that morning to get us some breakfast, and came back with some roses for me. As we were leaving for the funeral, they caught my eye, but I didn’t give them much thought, as my mind was elsewhere. On Saturday, I walked passed them and it struck me that there were 3 roses. Since it was our 4th anniversary, it didn’t represent the number of years we were married. Mike said he randomly chose them because they were the nicest. It could merely be a coincidence, but I’m choosing to think that it was a little “tug” from Julie, wishing us a happy anniversary.
My thoughts are with you and the kids always…
Amy
God bless you and your children. Your family’s story, especially Julie’s courage, has inspired me immensely. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
eternal rest grant unto Julie, oh Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon her
may she rest in peace
amen
Thank you, thank you, thank you - for sharing your amazing love with others. For reminding us all to cherish the everyday moments with our family and friends - for sharing your faith, your trust, your deep relationship with God. Know that you touched so many that you have never met by your words that will live on in each of us and shape our days, deepen our faith and surrender to God’s plans for our earthly existence so that one day we may all know Julie in heaven. May God’s blessings pour out on you and your family from this day on. May her love shine upon you always.
Brenden,
Thank you for your wonderful words. Julie was a breath of fresh air and someone I always wished to be like. Likewise, you are an inspiration.
God Bless,
Rosy
Brendon; You are an amazing young man, you will be an awesome parent. Remember Julie is always with you in spirit. We have all been blessed to have known Julie, The services were beautiful and very much a tribute to your beautiful love for each other. You will go on, as one who has experienced the loss of my best friend Iknow the road you are on and it is not easy, but your strength will get you through. You know I will be there for you and the kids, if you ever need me. Remember you are thought often and loved. Gail
Brendan,
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m glad my brother was able to represent our family to you. We love you.
Without guilt or blame, with ease and grace, God is all that there is.
What a beautiful letter to your wife, lover, and best friend. Thank you for sharing it with us. It was beyond touching. Your children will definitely appreciate these raw, emotional thoughts as they grow up….I know I would give anything to have something like this from my Mom when my Father died when I was 10 years old.
Brendan and Family,
I am so sorry. LET’S KILL MELANOMA. Your kids have lost their mother, my baby has lost her father. This disease must end! It hurts so much, and I wish I had the answers. Please know you can call me (North Salt Lake, Utah)if you want to talk about our situations. I would like that. Again, I’m so sorry.
Brendan and Family,
As I type this, I see that my beautiful niece, Tammy Brown, was the last one to post. She lost her husband to this beast just over a month ago. She is one who knows what you are going through. This path is not going to be an easy one but let me assure you that with God by your side, he will help to make your burdens light. Just know that it will take time. As I read your tribute to your sweet wife, I was touched by your sincerity and deep, abounding love for her. Julie was blessed to have you in her life. I pray that you will someday find peace with all of this that has transpired. LET’S KILL MELANOMA!, or as Tammy and Bryce call it, MELASUCKANOMA.
Brendan and family,
I found you through Bryce and Tammy Brown, and I’m sorry that Julie couldn’t win her fight. I have no eloquent words, but I am truly sorry you have been asked to endure this trial. Your family is in my prayers. Continue to fight, so melanoma can stop here. I’m still trying to figure out what I can do to help fight. Julie will watch over you and your kids, I’m sure of it. God is proud of you and your family for the fight you have fought, and He will always bless you.
Brendan,
I have been praying for you, the kids and of course, your beautiful wife Julie for months now.
I am very sorry for your loss and I pray that God gives you and the children as well as the rest of the family/friends the peace and comfort needed during this difficult time.
As human beings this is all very sad and the pain is almost unbearable but as CHRISTIANS we have the JOY of knowing that this is NOT our home, this is NOT the life God intended us to live. We are all here for a very very short period of time when you compare it to eternity, can you imagine?? ETERNITY! That is where Julie is. And if heaven is half of what the bible describes it to be, man, we are in for a treat!!!
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I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
Bren - What an incredible tribute to your wife and the wonderful woman that she was. Both of you have been such an inspiration to so many people due to your journey fighting melanoma. You definitely nailed it when you talked about Julie not losing her battle with cancer because she never let it steal her spirit.
Brad and I noticed a few nights ago that the number of comments under the post following Julie’s passing is 333. II see that it is still that same number today. She is definitely with you and all of us.
Love,
Nat Batt
Brendan-
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful women. Julie was an amazing person and as you said I know she continues to be with those she loved. I continue to praY for you all. Love & Hugs, Melanie
Brendan and Kids- I just had to tell you you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I wish so much I could change this outcome. I have read Julie’s blog for months and have been truly amazed by all of you. You are all wonderful and are in my prayers as you go on.
Beautiful. Julie. Your words to and about her. Your heart. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
I have followed Julie’s story since October of last year and the blog since January when a friend of mine(who is a friend of Brads)told me about Julie. I empathize with you… I have three children and in March I insisted that the doctor remove three moles, though they said it was nothing,it turned out that one of them was melanoma. It is gone-and I am thankful for that. If it were not for the Lyons Family Blog, my story would indeed be different. A huge Thank You to both you and Julie. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family and remember Julie just has heaven before we do and if given the chance she would not return to this earth for nothing. It is just too awesome there and she deserves it!
I’ve only followed your family’s story since a few months ago, and I was out of the loop due to the birth of our 2nd son (Nov 21). I just now checked the site. I know that my heart had kept me away, and I felt as if I knew why. I’m sitting here crying reading your tribute to Julie, Brendan, and knowing your family has touched my life all of these miles away here in Canada. Thank you for so honestly sharing it on this blog. Totally at a loss right now short of hugging my 2 sons (3 yrs & 3 wks) and my husband. Still PUSHing here and thinking of you & your family, Heidi
[…] And though she did not receive the earthly healing we all hoped and prayed for, she is healed. I think Brendan said it best in his eulogy: […]
How blessed she was to have a husband like you!
Brendan, Julie was indeed, very fortunate to have had you for a husband evidenced by your tribute written to her. Your children are also very lucky to have you as their father. God will give your family the strength to overcome this tragedy but will always remember Julie as the shining light and angel that she was. May God Bless you all.
I found your website through another and just wanted to say that you and your family will be in my prayers! Your words depict your unwavering love and I know that God will use it to guide you through the days to come.
Blessings!
I am going through a difficult time in my life right now and I can just imagine how you must have felt when Julie passed away. Ever since I was little my favorite number has been three as well and I don’t know why but-yes Julie is thinking of you right now and misses you so very much.
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