Mary and Justin. I’m so sorry to hear about Julia. Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family. She was beautiful inside and out and touched the lives of everyone she met. 

             The Morris Family

                 Scott, Holly and KeKe

Since I was sadly unable to attend Julia's Celebration of Life yesterday, I wanted to offer some thoughts on this most tragic situation that I hope will help everyone find comfort and healing....

I'm so sad, sorry, and shocked to hear about Julia's passing! From when I met Julia during my year in choir at Elmhurst University, I was so inspired by her genuine kindness, loving personality, warm smile, and of course, her great talent in/love for music! I so wish I was in town right now to have been able to attend her celebration of life yesterday.

I'm praying for Julia and also for her family and friends' healing and strength during this most difficult time: I can't imagine how painful this is for them to lose her after being so close with her for so long.  May this trial help them grow even stronger as people and may they cling closely to God during this most difficult time and always, as He is the only One who can give us true refuge/peace.

In this height of heartbreak, our perspective is like a camera lens zoomed in on a picture: we can only see a speck of it so it looks really ugly, so it's near impossible to make sense of this tragedy. Myself and probably many of us are wondering, "Why did God allow Julia, a woman with such promise and a goodness that few have, to die so young?"

All this makes it hard to see that God only allowed this for all our good/to make us stronger, as pain is the only way we can grow. Since He can see all of history at once, His angle is like a zoomed out lens that can see the whole picture, and with this perspective He knew this is what would give us the most growth. This means Him letting this tragedy take place does not mean He is not good/loving/doesn't exist, but it actually proves His goodness and love for us.

Our main song in choir, "May God Give You" shows this perfectly....

"May God give you, for every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise, and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sign, a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer."

I hope these words are of comfort to everyone during this tragic time, and may Julia's memory and most beautiful life also console us and give us inspiration for how to live our lives!   

I did not know Julia, but I was touched reading the story of her life, which I understand she lived ‘fiercely’.  My spirit is saddened that such a young soul has passed on, but I joy in celebrating her beautiful life with you. 

Blessings,

Rosalyn Priester

Trinity UCC Chicago 

I am so very, very, very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. Julia clearly was a very talented young woman who brought joy to many. You must have so many fond, sweet memories of her. I am sure you treasure them.

I wish there was something I could do for you to make this time a little easier. May God bless you all, especially the new little angel as she makes her way to heaven.

Sincerely,

Cheri Carrico (Elmhurst University Faculty)

I will always cherish the time I was able to stand beside Julia as she played the piano and I sang. I was always in awe of her musicianship and creativity. As a child, she was the softest, kindest, and sweetest soul. She was such an incredible sibling and the epitome of a loving sister. 

Sweet Julia, your loss has impacted me in ways that I never knew it would. Not only has it brought me great sadness, but it has also given me hope. I am hearing music in my heart that has been trapped and trying to get out and I am showing my love to my family and friends when I may not have been as present as I would have liked to have been before. Julia Flora, I will play piano for you and will continue to create and put music out into the world because people deserve to hear our gifts. I will continue to honor our shared middle name by continuing to spread love, music, joy, laughter, and mental health awareness. 

You have changed me in more ways than you could have ever known by just existing. 

Love your cousin,

Emily Flora Padilla