Special Thoughts - Kasie Bond Preece

Special Thoughts - Kasie Bond Preece

From Kasie:
Oh Mr Joshua, you sweet angel, I miss you so much. I'm truely blessed to have had the chance to be part of your life. I have so many beautiful and funny memories of you, there is and always will be a special place in my heart where you belong and will stay with me forever. Love you!

Joshua about the age he was babysat by Kathy Bond & Family

Thank you so much Kasie.  What a blessing for Joshua to be with your family for so many years.  He knew he was loved by all of you, your Mom, Kristie, you and what beautiful memories we have there too.  I could always go to work and know he was understood, loved and well taken care of.  I know you are a great Mom -- love you lots!!

First Time Memories - Chris Coffman

First Time Memories - Chris Coffman

Jamie helping Joshua!

I don't remember the first time I met Joshua but I can tell you of a fun encounter.

I had just gotten my kids in my SUV and was getting some stuff off the front passenger seat. When I was done I shut the door and turned around to head to my drivers side. As I turned around I came face (mine) to chest (Joshua) with him. We both jumped a little. I think he wanted to climb in and go for a ride with the rest of us. He smiled a big smile just as Jamie was headed up my driveway to retrieve him.  I kinda wish I'd taken him for a ride that day. 

Thank you Chris!  And for always cheering me on with your wonderful smile, optimism and enthusiasm.  We love the Coffman family!

Favorite Memories - Whitney Renslow Lewis

Favorite Memories - Whitney Renslow Lewis

Love you!!!  I love reflecting on my special times with Joshua!  There are MANY things that I hold dear to my heart - one of them was when I was speaking in church and he wasyelling in the back and the next thing i knew he was making his way up to the stand.  Or the countless times he would pull me on his lap for hugs!  I will be forever grateful that we could share October 4th together!  Hugs and hi fives in heaven.  I can't wait.  Love you Selma!

Whitney's wedding day - October 4, 2006

I sweetly remember when Whitney told me she was getting married and the difficulty she had in choosing a wedding date.  Joshua kept coming to her mind, and she thought about being married on October 4th.  Whitney went to visit his grave, and no doubt, emotions were close to the surface when she realized that wthe day she chose for her wedding was the day he died, only one year earlier.  Whitney so sensitively asked how I would feel.  I told her it would be an honor, and that Joshua would love it too.  It was a wonderful, spirit-filled day, and I was honored to be there.

We love you Whitney, and all of the Renslow family!  You all brought Joshua joy and love and understanding and time.  He loved sneaking over to visit the Renslow home!  I can hear his wonderful laugh now when you all enthusiastically greeted him!


 

First Time Meetings - Williams Family

First Time Meetings - Williams Family

Ashley:  
The first time I met Joshua was at a ward party. I had barely walked in the cultural hall when Joshua came up and grabbed my hand and made me follow him through the whole room. He also made me hold his video tape, I didn't know his name yet but I felt his sweet spirit right away. Love you Joshua!

We loved the Williams' family so much.  Ashley was the oldest of 9 children, and the parents and all of the children loved and were wonderful with Joshua.  Donnie was always ready to assist at church and carried him, helped him with hard seizures and just watched out over him.  We were truly blessed every day by this angel family!  

Special Memories - Gudmundson Family

Special Memories - Gudmundson Family

Joshua hanging out with best friend Mark, and his mom, Martha!

From Martha:
So many things to love about Joshua... His towering body giving us hugs, Mark's kiss on the forehead, grocery shopping and him sitting in front of us during church, watching 2 boys enjoying PIR and Barney together :) We still say, "what happened" and then smile and giggle. Thanks Josh for giving us forever memories. Miss that Kid!!

We are always so thankful for the Gudmundson Family.  They surrounded Mark with love, and included Joshua in that wonderful family love.  Martha often took care of Joshua for me, and I was amazed how she took care of both boys!  One day she even took both Mark in his wheelchair, and Joshua (ready to run at any moment) to the store.  I'm sure she got many looks that day.  She is a hero to me!!

Notice this series of photos of Joshua trying to hug Mark -- so typical of the love and joy these best friends shared!

Joshua and Mark - hanging out!

Laughing and leaning!

And the typical Joshua hug!

Special Memories - Provo River Trail Bridge

Special Memories - Provo River Trail Bridge



Provo River Trail Bridge

 This bridge, along the Provo River Trail,  is a sacred place for the memory and experience we had here.  It was our first year in Provo, Utah, and our neighbors and church friends were still getting to know Joshua. 

Picture a 6'1", skinny, handsome young man with his protective helmet, excited and enthusiastic to be at the river and on the bridge!  This was one of his favorite places.



A re-enactment of the video tape!

Picture also many wonderful people with their dinners and desserts, socializing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Of course, Joshua is holding his precious video tape, his "security blanket" and entertainment (if it makes it home in one piece!).

Picture now the irresistible urge Joshua has on this beautiful bridge, to toss, with joy, glee and strength, that precious video tape clean down into the middle of the river!  No surprise to me, his Mom.  But the faces of the people around us were definitely startled and confused.

I remember the kindness of a sensitive young man, who promptly took off his shoes, walked into the river, and picked up that video tape to return it to Joshua.  His mother was a little concerned that he walked suddenly into the river, but I quickly assured her that he was helping me with Joshua.  (I could not leave him along to walk into the river myself.)

Of course the challenge, as always, was that when the video tape was returned to him, he just might throw it again!  But that was the endless, wonderful, cycle that I miss so much, every day!


Favorite Memories - Reader Family

Favorite Memories - Reader Family

Jerry Reader:

I will never forget the day he was on my porch looking around the corner hiding from Selma. He was grinning from ear to ear!!

Steven Reader

We loved the Reader Family.  The whole family was so good and kind and patient with Joshua, and he knew he could absolutely go hang out on their porch!

Favorite Memories - Anna Peacock

Favorite Memories - Anna Peacock

From Anna:

I remember all the balls that ended at my house. I would just gather them up and take them back to Joshua's just so he could roll them down the hill again. Miss those days!

Joshua loved his basketballs -- these probably rolled down the hill a few minutes later!

I love this beautiful memory because it was certainly a daily experience!  I would try to buy used balls at Deseret Industries so when they were thrown in their various directions, it wasn't such a hit on the budget when they never came home.  So I was very thankful for Anna, and numerous neighbors and friends who were happy to gather up these balls rolling down the hill and always return them with a smile.

What a blessing!!

Hunter Joshua Larson - Joshua's Namesake

Hunter Joshua Larson

Born:  October 10, 2005

(just 6 days after Joshua died)

Today, my handsome nephew, Hunter is 9 years old.  Hunter blessed our lives immediately as he was born just 6 days after Joshua died.  My brother Doug, and his wife, Rochelle, had already decided to name him after Joshua.  The timing of his birth was a wonderful, beautiful, blessing from heaven.  Hunter is handsome, bright, warm and loving.  And he loves to hear stories about Joshua!

Happy Birthday Hunter!!



Here is a sweet excerpt from Doug's funeral talk:

My name is Doug Larson. I'm another one of Joshua's Uncles. Two and a half years ago I got married, and before that, when I was dating my wife, right at the beginning of our courtship, the first family party that Rochelle came to, we were just sitting actually on different couches, and Joshua walked up, grabbed Rochelle's hand and put it on my knee. I guess that was his way of saying that he approved.

Four and a half months ago, Rochelle and I found out that we were having another boy, and we chose the name "Hunter Joshua Larson." Hunter is after Howard W. Hunter, who most of you know. And Joshua is after "Joshua Michael Eisenstat." Someday Hunter, who is not born yet, but could be any minute at this point. Someday he is going to ask why he is named after these two great men. And we can tell him that Howard W. Hunter had a love for music, and he gave up his music career in favor of a stable family life. He was the 14^th president of the church and encouraged all members of the church to be worthy to enter the temple. Joshua Michael Eisenstat was lacking somewhat in musical talent, and did all he could to create a hectic family life.

That may be what someone who never got to know Joshua might have thought. The Joshua I knew would better be described as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple is defined as a pupil or learner, a name used to denote all followers of Jesus Christ, one who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of the gospel. In Matthew 18, verses 1 through 5, I changed "child or children" to "Joshua." And it says: "At the same time came the disciples came to Jesus saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And Jesus called Joshua unto him and set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Verily I say unto you, except you be converted and become as Joshua, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as Joshua, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive Joshua in my name receiveth me." Does that fit? Is that the Joshua that you know? How many of you were ever randomly hugged by Joshua? Or given a high five? How many of you did Joshua smile and say "hi"? Or even several hi's in a row just to get your attention. Did he brighten up your day? We always joked that Joshua would be the perfect Wal-Mart greeter. But he was so much more than a greeter, he radiated the spirit of Christ in his life.

For the full talk, go to:
http://joshuasheartfullofhugs.blogspot.com/2013/01/funeral-talk-excerpts-by-uncle-doug-we.html

Favorite Memories - White Family

Favorite Memories - White Family

Coreena White:

We will always remember Joshua! Best neighbor we have ever had! We loved coming home to find Joshua on our porch swing, just waiting for us with his big smile. Or how about the time I got out of the shower to find him sitting on my bed! So many memories I can't choose just one. 

But I will never forget finding out he had gone back to live with his Father in Heaven and that the cause was an enlarged heart. Of course it was enlarged, no on had a bigger heart than Joshy. No doubt he is still asking "where's Selma" to everyone he meets and making everyone around him feel loved. XOXOX

Jamie and Chelsey with the White's house in the background!

Ford and Coreena White and family were always so good, kind and fun with Joshua.  He loved to sneak over to their house, knock on their door, and get an enthusiastic "Joshua's here" greeting.  And in he would walk!  This occurred from 6:30am to 11:00pm.  I had to watch him so close!

But the memory of him sneaking into their house when they were all gone, and going upstairs and throwing things over the bannister do bring a smile.  At first I was horrified to find him in their house, with things thrown all over, especially since I could not physically get him to leave!  I was finally able to get some neighbor boys to help me.  But before we were able to get him out, he threw a hard item onto their beautiful front entrance table and knicked a piece out of it.  I immediately left Coreena a message.  They still love to tell the story of how worried I was, and when they saw the "small" size of the knick (that looked so large to me), they just smiled and said not to worry.

And now that Joshua has passed away, that knick is a very loving memory.

First Time Meetings - Jackson Family

First Time Meetings - Jackson Family

Candy with her cute Emma helping Joshua - he loved her!  This is his last Halloween.

Candy Jackson:

I met Joshua when he moved in next door and Selma's sink was flooding at the same time Joshua was having a seizure. I loved Selma and her amazing family immediately and have so many cute memories of Joshua and the cute funny things he did and also I got to glimpse the strong spirit housed in that flawed body. The last day I saw Joshua was the sad day we helped get him into the car to run to the hospital. We headed over to the hospital later to see how he was doing and got the devastating news that he had been called back to his heavenly home. Selma was sweet enough to let us come in to the room and share in a very sacred and touching family prayer. He touched so many lives but I know he is saving souls in the spirit world. Love you and miss you sweet Joshua.


We also loved the Jackson family immediately.  They have all had a wonderful influence and strong friendship with our family.  Candy and Mark were always ready to help -- and I can't count how many times they served, lifted and encouraged.  Joshua knew he was loved at the Jackson house!  I still remember Joshua having a hard seizure on the driveway just past sunset and I could not lift him to get him into the house.  Mark drove up just in in his policecar, immediately got out of the car and helped me get Joshua into the house.  And Candy and Mark's help on the day he went to the hospital was a sweet and tender time with loving neighbors.  I will be forever thankful.



First Time Meetings - New Cute Girls!

First Time Meetings - NEW CUTE GIRLS!

So classic ... Joshua couldn't carry on a conversation with a cute girl,
but he could give them a hug!

Written by Uncle Mark

Uncle Doug, Joshua and Uncle Mark!

Joshua was attracted to women.  Doug's roommate was dating a girl that was "Joshua's type" and we wanted to see what his reaction was when she walked in. Doug and I were sitting on both sides of him when he did. When she got in the room Joshua looked at both of us, smiled, and did his "hehehehehe" laugh. Then he said, "Move, Doug, Move. Move, Doug. Doug, move," while kind of pushing Doug. Then he motioned to the girl, slapped the empty seat beside him and said, "Riiiiiiiight here!"

9 Year Thoughts - Special Death Anniversary MEME for Joshua

9 Year Thoughts

October 4, 2014

Celebrating our Joshua Boy's special life this weekend and reflecting on my gratitude and joy that I am his Mom!! Our hearts broke 9 years ago as we said goodbye, and we hold close to our hearts the time when we will see him again! So if you see a french fry or cheeseburger flying out a car window, you will think of Joshua. 

Our tribute is always to give high fives, hugs and handshakes to family, friends and strangers! We miss you and love you forever Joshua! 

Thank you to my friend, Karen McCleary for this beautiful MEME in his honor.

First Time Meetings - Connie Jo Pettis-Rowe

First Time Meetings - Connie Jo Pettis-Rowe

Connie Jo and Betty Pettis with Joshua

 

My first meeting was when Joshua was three days old. I came to see you and you put him in my arms and I walked oh so carefully to the couch. I was afraid I might break him. He was so beautiful. I held he and looked at his beautiful face and talked to you and all the time I was so nervous. Finally I said to you "Selma, I don't want to make you upset or anything but I've never held a baby and I don't know what I'm doing". You said so nonchalant "your doing just fine". It didn't bother you in the least.

I will never forget that moment and the way he felt in my arms. I love you Joshua and my dearest friend Selma.

 

First Time Meetings - Debbie Fonohema

First Time Meetings - Debbie Fonohema

Typical picture of Joshua hanging out on the neighbors' porch!

2004 - Written by my next-door neighbor, and wonderful friend, Debbie Hayes Fonohema!

The first time I met Joshua he was setting on my front porch on my white bench. =) I walked out and said hi! I startled him a little but in true Joshua fashion, gave me a huge grin and said "Where's Selma?" . . . .  love him so much!

And thank you to all the Fonohemas for all of the times you picked him up and carried him during a seizure, a tantrum, or because he was tired.  And Kelly always smiled even though Joshua was hitting him, and just kept bringing him home.  And thanks for letting Joshua, and us, know we were loved!!

We miss you!

First Time Meetings - New Neighbors

First Time Meetings - New Neighbors

Many times we did not hear about first-time meetings until several weeks, or even years later!  But I always loved to hear, because a good story was sure to be shared.



Joshua playing Special Olympics Basketball

Our home in Pleasant Grove was in a cozy cul-de-sac on a hill with a beautiful view.  Well, this hill proved to be very tempting for our mischievous Joshua!  There are definitely numerous stories every day!

Here is one of the stories I found out two weeks after it happened.  A new couple had moved in down the hill from us.  They knew who we were but had never specifically met Joshua.  Well, they found a basketball down the hill with our last name on it.  So they decided they would return it to us.  (They did not know yet that this was not only a daily occurrence, but countless times a day!)

They brought the basketball to our house, and Joshua was on the front lawn, and no one else was outside.  With Joshua's handsome face and winning smile, they naturally thought he would be a great one to return the ball to.  So they told him they found the basketball down the hill and promptly handed it over to Joshua.

I can just see it now!  He immediately took the basketball, and no doubt enthusiastically, tossed that ball right back down the hill!  And then he probably asked innocently, "What hap'n?"  As they told me later, they didn't know quite what to think, other than that they had just a very surprising and interesting experience.

They proceeded to watch him the next couple of weeks around the neighborhood and at church, and soon realized that this was not at all surprising or unusual in the cul-de-sac off of 1150 North in Pleasant Grove.  :)