Dear Bob, Mary, Bern, Jenny, Andy and Emma,

I just wanted to put something down on paper to express my thoughts on Julia Wassmann.

You all are to be commended for the way you cared for Jule over her lifetime. You showed her such love that it was obvious to anyone who saw you with her. Jule always seemed to be happy and content. It was a lot of work taking care of her, but it was performed without complaint.

The Wassmann kids were wonderful with Jule. They always interacted with her and let her know she was loved by them. Never once did I hear any of them complain about Jule keeping them from doing something, though there were occasions when this surely happened. This was truly remarkable for children.

For the most part, Jule was taken everywhere, from Disney World, to the MCI Center, to the top of the Empire State Building. The acid test had to be New York City. Pushing a stroller through the crowded streets of Manhattan was not an easy task. Jule was treated to a unique experience, the sounds of the traffic, people speaking different languages, the hustle and bustle and the City. I'm sure she felt safe, as she knew you would never take her anywhere dangerous, but she must have been thinking, "Where have they taken me now?" It was quite a contrast to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

The highlight for me, in Jule's life, was the Mass we attended at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Cardinal John O'Connor gave a special sermon about the sanctity of life and Jule just happened to be present at the Mass. He knew how difficult it was to care for a handicapped child, since it was a special part of his ministry, and at the conclusion of the Mass, he personally thanked Bob and Mary for doing what they do. It was so touching and heartwarming that you couldn't have had a dry eye. I feel that God's hand was at work in having you at that Mass and it was not just a mere coincidence.

Jule was often given special V.I.P. treatment, being ushered to the front at Disney World and other places. Like Bob and I discussed, Jule will surely be given the same treatment in heaven, being ushered right to the front, skipping Purgatory, and going to a special place in heaven reserved for her.

I can't help but think that your reward in heaven will be great for the outstanding care and love you have given that precious child throughout her life.

Bill Wassmann gave a wonderful speech about Julie. At first he thought it was a great tragedy for the family but over time he began to see it as a great blessing. He said he could see a patience and understanding in the Wassmann kids that was aided by their relationships with Julia.

I can attest that the Wassmann kids are a joy to be around. When my nieces and nephews visit, I love seeing them and being with them, but I usually am relieved when they leave. Not so with the Wassmann kids, it's just the opposite, because they are so well-behaved and such fun to be around. It's always hard leaving the Wassmanns because I have such a wonderful time when I'm with you all.

I will miss hearing Jule giving out that special squeal of glee she would always give when we pulled into the parking space beside the Wassmann trailer at Holiday Park. Although she did not have sight, she had extra senses in the other areas to compensate for it so she could always tell when we returned to the trailer. She never gave a false alarm.

Like Veronica stated in her speech, Jule loved to be home. When the left turn was made onto Pontiac street, she would always let out a sound of delight because she knew precisely where she was and that she would soon be home.

Another memory I have of Jule is playing ball with her; she would toss a ball that was put next to her. She loved playing this and she would be all smiles. One summer, probably two years ago, she was tossing balls so fast that Andy and I were getting winded keeping up with her.

On the boardwalk once, Jule tossed one of the hard-earned Skeeball prizes that was put next to her. She was quite proficient at tossing things with that arm.

I know that you will miss her and it may take a long time to get over her loss, but you will always have your memories of her. You have so many wonderful pictures of her that it will keep your memories fresh.

You can rest assured that you gave Jule the best care possible and you provided her with a wonderful life.

Very truly yours,

Ray Sloan