Remembering Joel  / Janis Bailey (Friend of Joel's mum )
Like Jay, I knew Joel mostly at a distance, through his mother's stories and the deep and abiding love she had and has for him.  His memorial service and now this website bring him close to those who didn't have the privilege of knowing him well personally. What a character, what an irrepressible young man, clown and funnyman sometimes on the outside, deeply serious within, with that droll sense of humour and a sincere connection with people that's so rare in life.  He sparkled in every way, and was so special.  It just isn't fair that Joel is not with us any more. 

Janis
19th November 2007 Close

Remembering you..  / Jay Gribble (Friend of his Mum, Julie )
Hi Joel,

I know you will be 'near by with others who have past along the way' and with them, you are looking and laughing and remembering those great times you had in your brief life here with your loved ones.  To me, you are never far away.  I don't know if where you are is my vision of a perfect heaven, but you are in that place where my very soul keeps hidden the 'private' loves, hopes, wishes for the future and the past disappointments; where my true fears and beliefs are kept safe and not exposed to those in this earthly realm.

Over the years, I heard so many stories from your Mum about her baby, Joel.  Sometimes your Mum's 'work' friends (we also are Mum's with stories to relate about our children, too) would laugh with her and sometimes we would console her when we heard her tell us  funny happenings with you, or sad things about you or concerns she had for you.  Your Mum and Dad and brothers and many many others, dearly loved you.  I came to share part of your wonderful young and vibrant life - though it was all too brief.  For all the memories of you, I say Thank You....

May your music and the music we all keep in our hearts, play loud and clear as you welcome us to be beside you when our time comes to look and laugh and remember when we leave our mortal bodies. 

Condolences to all those whose lives you touched and enriched...  family, friends and acquaintances..

Never forgotten....  Jay Close

Thinking of you as always - 12/11/2007  / Julie McGregor (Mum)

Hey Joel - not a day goes by that my heart doesn't ache for you. I created your memorial site on Rememberance Day - how fitting. I hope you like the site - we will try to make it as special as you were.
Love always, Mum xxxx

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