Julie "God's Newest Angel"

Lockhart Funeral Home (Julie O'Rourke) We have all heard stories of people that moved us or inspired us, people that have achieved wonderful things or battled insurmountable odds.  For me, I have been fortunate enough to meet one such person, one who's life has been and will always be an inspiration that I will try to live by.  Her story will be told by my family for years to come as we believe she will make a difference in someone else's life as she did ours.

 I never knew her on a personal level, meeting her only once.  Yet once was all it took for me to see how special this person was and always will be.  Choosing to live is one thing, choosing to live when all odds are against you, this takes a very special person.  It is not about what you have to live for, but what you want to live for.  For some they have to live for their kids, grandkids and spouses, for others they want to live to see the sun come up again, to see a smile on someones face, to share their thoughts one more time with anyone that will listen.  It is my belief from everything I knew of this woman that she wanted to live for the simple reason that dying was not an option, even against all odds. 

 The following is a quote from her that shows her determination to live;
" I don’t like their prognosis, so I’m going to continue life as if I am not approaching death at a young age, for that is just too depressing a thought. It’s not the easiest thing to do, pretend you’re not very sick, but I’m going to try with the best of my ability and with all the support of you people reading this.  It’s a scary and surreal journey, but I’m so determined to keep fighting despite the odds, statistics and doctor’s predictions. I’m so set on living that I can’t allow the constant bad news to deter me as I fight. Thank you all for believing with me and helping me to trust there is hope. However, self-pity never saved anyone’s life, and I’m sure I won’t be the first, so I’m not going to waste time feeling sorry for myself. I’m going to make the most of the time I have left."

 My family admires her will to live and the strength she has shown.  We also recognize the courage, patience and strength that her own family has put forth over her ordeal.  This journey is about one person, but one person that had an incredible family along for the ride.  A family that was there for her every step of the way fighting off their own challenges to improve her journey.  No journey through life can be complete without friends and family and my family knows this more from her story.  If Hollywood wants a life story to share that will impact people world wide this is one for the ages!

As my wife's cousin, she impacted my life more then she could ever have known.  Her journey has come to an end here on earth, although I am certain that a new journey has already begun.  She will be forever missed, yet never forgotten.  Thank you Julie for what you taught my family and I.