A person like Josh only comes around once in a lifetime. He was my angel, my beautiful friend, the strongest person I ever knew. I admired him for his selflessness for people he loved. He would put the needs of others first. He was my Good Samaritan, every time I struggled he would be the first person to listen, no matter what people said of me. There was no judgement, there was love. There was understanding. There was admiration. Josh was my beautiful friend. My beautiful big brother, a beautiful person in my life. His unfailing love for people is the first thing I saw through him when I met him. His eyes speak kindness. Though he had rough patches in his childhood, he never let those affect how he treated the people he loved. He was a persistent, loving, selfless human with a heart of gold. Having Josh has been a true blessing in my life. He never failed to make me laugh, or bully me for how competitive I am:) Josh and I bonded through our openness towards our problems, as well as we connected a lot through the gym and getting healthier. Our friendship started a few weeks before my 15th birthday. I was his neighbour at the time and I remember being surprised with a bag of goodies on my birthday just because: I remember seeing the brightest smile on his face through my window when he texted me to come out and get my present. “For being my favourite neighbour” he said. I prayed for him every night, asking that he will have discipline and strength to heal what has been broken. He didn’t define himself by the things that once hurt him, he would always do better. He always admired me as someone who he could be honest with. I always admired him for his potential to grow healthier and happier. I remember our walk from summer. My favourite memory of Josh is our summer walks. I was going through a lot and I remember his encouragement to never give up, to not lose the battle. He hugged me last summer, and told me he refused to know me for less than what he believed I could become. He reassured my confidence in myself. His altruism towards people he loved led me to a change of heart, and I always pushed him to do better. Josh's love and kindness is transformative. His presence in my life was nothing short of healing, as his unwavering love and compassion lifted me in ways I never thought possible. Through his warmth and generosity, Josh showed me the true meaning of empathy and taught me to see the beauty in the world around us. Even at this devastating time of life, knowing him in my life will continue to guide and inspire me. I love you Josh, with all my heart, and there’s nothing I want to do more than to turn back time, and hug you one last time.
-Esther
