“Joseph, our incredible boy. Eleven years wasn’t long enough, but we will always cherish the gift and light you brought into this world and to our family. You were amazing at being a fun and annoying little brother, as well as a compassionate and caring big brother to your brothers and sister.

You were such an incredible son. You made us laugh, you made us cry, you made us worry and you gave us so much love & laughter along the way. You taught us to treat each day and each moment as a precious gift. We have forever been changed by your example of goodness. You had a great appreciation for the small and simple things in life. Nature, ladybugs, sunflowers & succulents, rocks, flying a kite, taking naps, Nerf gun fights, eating lettuce with ranch dressing, and especially a good steak. You loved to swim and float and kayak. You and your brothers loved playing video games- especially Minecraft together. You loved learning and really enjoyed Math, Engineering & Science. You had an incredible imagination and sense of humor! You were brilliant and inquisitive. How we loved your sense of humor & all the jokes you’d share with us! You were the most amazing friend and always reached out and helped lift those in need. You loved God and had a testimony of his plan. You had an obsession with books and reading! You’d read and read and read! (Often 400-500 page books in just a day.)We think all those books helped ease your mind and take you on some fun adventures in the middle of so much hard. You also loved music and learned piano and taught yourself a little ukulele. You had the most angelic singing voice- one we miss so much. You had a blast participating in your Elementary musical, Mary Poppins, in 5th grade. The words of your audition piece “I’ve Got No Strings” will forever echo in our minds and remind us that you are now free from the burdens and trials of this life. “There are no strings on YOU!” As your favorite scripture says “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me!”

The cancer may have taken years of your childhood and the opportunity to grow up, but it will never erase the impact and love you have left behind. We love you and miss you like crazy. Things haven’t been the same since you’ve gone home to Heaven, but we look forward with anticipation and longing to the day when we will be with you again. You are forever ours. We love you Joey. 💛💙💛”