I'm Uncle Bill. Of all the titles I've had in my life, my favorite is Uncle Bill.

When Julie was born, and the medical complications and her potential physical difficulties were emerging, I thought that our family had experienced a tragedy. Indeed, for Julie, the effects of her illnesses on her life were very tragic. But somehow over the years, that event turned into a blessing and a beautiful gift to our family. We are all much better people for having know and loved Julie. She taught us many things, and made all of us look at life in a much deeper and more meaningful manner. When we consider what is important in our life on earth we get a different answer because of our relationship with her. We may have been unable to share with her the joy of learning to ride a bike, or playing basketball, or lacrosse, or, in my case, swinging a golf club, or to share her success in a business or professional career, but she gave us a much greater understanding of the truly important things in life like love, courage, the indestructibility of the human spirit, and our spiritual relationship with God.

She also made it impossible for us to take our own physical gifts for granted. Every time we fail to use our gifts - such as to communicate with our loved ones or to provide support in times of crisis - we will now have a greater appreciation, because God did not give this ability to all people, what a terrible sin it is to waste it.

Another of Julie's gifts to us is the impact she has had one her sisters and brother. Their everyday acceptance and accommodation of her special needs has provided them with a much richer early development experience than most kids ever experience. I see the effect of this all the time. It is more difficult to act selfishly with Julie's patience serving as an example - it's not impossible - just much more difficult! But seriously, who can doubt her influence? How much of Bernadette's decision to make a career of helping less fortunate people can be attributed to her sister? In ways such as this, Julie's impact on us will last forever. So, if there was a tragedy associated with Julie's life, it was not when she joined us, but when she left us.

Finally, a word to her mom and dad. You said, as you told your children, that God asked you if you would take care of Julie, and you said, "Yes." You have now honored that commitment, and you have done so in a way that has truly been inspirational. If we have learned a lot from Julie, we have learned a great deal in addition from you. Thank you.

August 2, 1999