Happy 29th Birthday Josh. Thanks to all your friends and family for all their love.

Mom - 1/30/2010

Merry Christmas dear son ... I love you ... I miss you.

Mom
12/12/09

i miss you josh i'm going to the adk this weeked and will remember our hikes ... you are in my thoughts

always your dad
(sent 9/18/09)

My Josh,
Five years ... how is that even possible? Clear and sometimes hazy memories of our time together mark my days ... and I long to make more, but try to be content with the ones I have. You are so loved and that brings me a bit of peace. I miss you my son, my star. Here's to when we meet again.

Loving you always,
Your mom 9/18/09

So here I am … sitting here on the floor of this now empty house, memories of our time echoing around me. Bringing you home here as a newborn baby ---- all the way to sitting on the back steps visiting with you on a soft September day just before you left this world … and all our times in between. My baby, my little blond boy, my handsome young man, my son. Oh yes - I claim all the possessiveness allowed one proud mom! Our happy times, challenging times, you and me against the world times.

I close my eyes and think of all the tears, all the laughs, all the pride and joy you brought into this world … I see your beautiful smile and remember how hard you sometimes found life … and how you worked so diligently to find your path and walked it honestly and faced it mostly without fear. How I admire you for that!

Well … time to go … I shake myself a little and get up, stretch my stiff legs … this floor is chilly. Take one last look around, tears coming now. Take a deep breath, swallow hard and close the door to our home for the final time. And carry you away with me … tucked forever and always in my heart …

Mom
February 21, 2009

And so it's your birthday tomorrow ... 28 years ago you were born ... my dream come true.

So tonite I'll ask the moon where it shined upon you last ... I'll shake my head and smile and think it all went by too fast ... much much too fast. Wish we'd had more time.

Happy birthday son ... I love you so. I think of you always - always will. Until we meet again ...

Mom
January 29, 2009

Christmas again ... the time seems to fly, seems to drag. I was re-reading "The Christmas Blessing" and this line really struck me. "When life wounds you, I hope it's because you loved people, not because you mistreated them." My hurt is because of my love for you ... and I'm so thankful for that love. Merry Christmas my dear son. You are missed ... you are so loved.

Your mom
December 25, 2008

"When the sky is dark enough, we can see the stars."

To my star - I love you Josh - miss you so very much.

Mom
September 18th, 2008

Josh ... can't believe it's coming up on 4 years. Seems so unreal. Miss you - thank you for the little while ... it wasn't nearly long enough.

Your Mom
8/18/08

Happy 27th Birthday Josh! You are my shining star ... always have been, always will be. Love you so much.

Mom - 1/30/08

Josh,
I look for stars every night ... not necessarily shooting stars, just stars - hiding behind the clouds of my space and time here. Often, one or two will appear briefly - and I smile, knowing you're close. I love you.

Mom - 1/19/08

Merry Christmas Josh! I love you ... I miss you.

Mom - 12/25/07

For all who know about the shooting star I saw three years ago ... last night Lari & I were sitting on the back deck, toasting Josh and we both saw a huge shooting star! Josh you are so close - always. You are my shining star. I love you.

Mom (9/19/07)

Josh - it will be three years tomorrow since you've left this home. You are so loved! I miss you every minute of every hour of every day.

Leaves falling yellow.
Your star streaked across the sky.
Love strong. Faith hopeful.

Mom (9/17/07)

Josh - as I update your website, and re-read the thoughts, messages and tributes to you ... I am once again struck by the thought ... you are the BEST son in the whole wide world! Thank you for sharing your time here with me ... I love you so very much.

Your Mom (8/6/07)

Grief is a series of ever widening circles. It starts with suddenness of the death of someone you love more than life itself. And the circles spread out. You are drawn down with the death, taken under the water, struggling for breath. You slowly rise back to the surface, starting to take in life again. But the circles catch you unawares at times, slamming you with the loss all over again, dragging you back to the very bottom. You never know when you might run into one of the circle’s edges, or when they will pass right through you. The circles go out as far as you can possibly imagine ... for the rest of your life here. You realize that they will never end. Perhaps their strength diminishes, I’m not sure - but you know they will never, ever end.

I love and miss you Josh!
Your mom (6/4/07)

Dear Josh ... I'm learning it's okay to feel joy, it's okay to feel devastated, it's okay to feel hopeful, it's okay to feel anger, it's okay to feel happy, it's okay to feel confused ...it's okay to FEEL. I love you.

Mom (April 15, 2007)

Echoes ... I keep hearing, seeing, remembering echoes of your life and sometimes they make me smile, sometimes they make me cry. Always they make me wonder - why, why, why? I love you so much Josh.

- Your mom
March 23, 2007

Nothing gave me more pleasure or made me feel closer to you than when we were climbing the high peaks. Nature has always been a great escape. Each year when I head up North I think of you and the time we spent. I have always been so proud of the man you became and will continue to be proud of the person you were and are.

- Your loving Dad
March 11, 2007

Hey Josh - it's so great to have your friends sending in pictures, thoughts and messages. Makes me very happy. I love you. Mom - March 4, 2007

Our star is always there, even when the clouds of despair and grief seem to overshadow him. Josh is always here, steady and shining for us ... and perhaps even dancing a bit!

Josh,
I said it often in the past ... and it's still true - I have the best son in the whole wide world! Love you so much!
Mom - February 20, 2007

Dearest Josh ... came across this poem - it says it all. I love you. - Mom
February 14, 2007

"The Day My Son Died

The doctor came to tell us that he had died I thought it was just for that day, so I went to bed early and slept well.

But the next morning I heard them talking downstairs; apparently he had still died (even though the doctor wasn’t calling to tell us today).

So it’s gonna be a few days, I figured; we might as well have a funeral. We drove hundreds of miles in dozens of cars finding and losing the way ‘round and ‘round standing ‘round and ‘round, crying, listening, crying listening standing and standing around.

But when it was over he had still died so there was nothing to do but drive home. It took hours and then the refrigerator had broken down. We soon fixed it but he had still died.

And every night after that I slept as long as I could to give him a chance to not have died.

But in the morning they were always downstairs and when I asked if he had still died the answer was always, "Yes."

And so it went into a week and then it went into two weeks. Eventually it went into months.

And it kept going.

It wouldn’t stop.

It kept on having happened.

No matter what I did, it refused to not have happened.

Even if I wrote in my diary about it

Even if a wrote a poem about it

Even if I forgot about it,

IT didn’t forget about it.

Not for a second was it caught off guard.

It was as stubborn as the music of the spheres.

It just wouldn’t let bygones be bygones.

To this day it has happened.

It insists on having happened.

It will never tire of having happened.

Nothing will distract it from having happened.

It was more than one day. It was more than one week.

It was more than months. It was more than years.

And it knew it – ALL the time."

- Marion Cohen

So Josh...

I'm so happy to have gotten your website done in time to share it with your friends and family in honor of your upcoming 26th birthday. My hope is that it will bring smiles, and not too many tears, as we all remember you and how much you touched our lives. And I hope that it will continue to grow as your friends and families share their photos and thoughts.

I love you and miss you every minute of every day,
Your Mom

Happy Birthday my son ... I love you!

- Your mom of 26 years
January 30, 2006

The Climb

Getting high without a fall
Forgetting civilization, I climb it all,
To a hidden crag that only I know;
I go there to just let go.

I smell the air and feel the breeze;
I master the seas of granite with ease.
But reaching the summit and my life is going.

On top of that curtain of gray overhead
I'll be scattered to the four winds when I am dead.

~*~

My Mountains

I feel that the mountains are where I was born mentally. The things I've seen there and the ways I've felt are far greater than my life in civilization. The mountains are the place I can always run to for shelter. They will never leave me; they are one of the few things I can hold on to. Whenever I visit the mountains, I find God, and for a brief moment, the meaning of life. And someday when I'm remembered for my actions here, I want to go where the mountains never end.

-both were written by Josh Price
Grade 8 (Reflections 1995)

Sent in 2/23/07 by Marji Hendrickson
(Marji graduated with Josh from
Livonia High School in 1999)

Considering that Josh knew that "It was all about Love" this song by Brandon Heath made me think about the truth in his statement-here is part of the song ( you can hear the whole thing at www.klove.com)

"Love is not proud,
Love does not boast,
Love after all matters the most.

Love does not run,
Love does not hide,
Love does not keep locked inside.

Love is a river that flows through,
Love never fails you.

Love will protect,
Love always hopes,
Love still believes when you don't.

Love is the arms that are holding you,
Love never fails you.

Love is right here,
Love is alive,
Love is the way, the truth, the light.

Love is the river that flows through,
Love is the arms that are holding you,
Love is the place you will fly to,
Love never fails you."

Aunt Anne - 1/31/2010

Happy Birthday to you!
It's a perfect "bluebird" day today.
Not a cloud in the sky....

Michelle - 1/30/2010

Happy Birthday, Josh! I know you always have known how special your Mom is. Today she chooses to bless others. The key to how to live this life ... we choose. Our choices affect others for good or bad. You knew that. You chose so often to give generously of your time and resources to others. As I remember you today I am challenged to carry on your legacy. Your mother is.

Aunt Sue - 1/30/2010

Another October is here. I remember 6 years ago this month is the last time I spent time with you, kayaking w/ dad and camping on the island in St. Regis Pond. You were so content paddling around and snapping shots which still have not surfaced. I am lucky to have had such a tranquil last visit with you.

Sent by Michelle 10/17/09

Seems like yesterday, your mom called me in the middle of the night with the heart wrenching news of your earthly death. While I would never call you back from your eternal Home, there are times I wish for one more chance to get to know you better.

A good week before your passing God brought you to mind almost nightly and I kept thinking....."I must call Josh and see how he's doing." Letting busyness, and thinking there'd be another night, I never made that call. I'm so sorry, Josh.

To all who read this, learn from my error.....make that call, write that greeting. Relationships, and taking time for people, are more important than all the stuff we have going on. You never know if it'll be your last chance to connect with someone this side of Eternity.

Five years and counting... until we see you on the other side. What a day that will be! Love you, Josh.

Sent by Aunt Sue 9/19/09

Hey Joshua,
How can it be 5 years? Time is so elusive and so permanent at the same time. To all who knew you, loved you and laughed with you I say, "KEEP YOUR SKYWARD LOOK!"

love Aunt Anne 9/18/09

"We don't want to lose our grief because our grief is bound up with our love, and we could not cease to mourn without being robbed of our affection."

Sent by
Grandma Ellie 9/18/09

I still giggle to myself when I think of the numerous times I hid at the top of the stairs on the little ledge and called you up, and how every time never fail I managed to scare you. Cruel I know but that's what older sisters are for. FYI I play the same game w/ Holden only I call him into the basement and hide until the last second and Boo, he jumps just like you did and then wags his tail. I assume its his way of saying, uhhh you got me this time.

from Michelle
June 26, 2009

wow 28, hard to believe that time is allowed to still go by. Miss you bro, dad and Die do too!

from Michelle
January 30, 2009

I wish we could have had one more visit... I miss you!

Michelle
December 6, 2008

Hey bro,
I've been thinking of you often, mostly when I'm outside...by myself. It's quiet except for the wind rushing past my ears, the trees sway and the leaves bustle amongst themselves. I appreciate the cold bite, from a stiff september evening breeze a lot more these days. I miss you

J Donley
(Sent 9/19/08)

The STARS are brighter because you are THERE!!

Love always, Aunt Anne
(Sent 9/18/08)

It'd been awhile since I've come to Josh's site. I'm struck with the reality that it's been almost 4 years since your passing, Josh. I just said to Uncle Bill, "that's unreal, how can it be 4 years already?" Your embracing of life and interest and care of others lives on. Miss you.

Love, Aunt Sue
Sent 8/13/08

Hey Old Friend, (you are still way older than me!!)

I'm here by accident or serendipity. One moment of coincidental grace, and another. Hmmm. if it weren't for those I'd probably smile a little to myself and laugh off the nostalgia. But it's lingering having run into this website completely by chance after finding your photo this morning in a old book and suddenly remembering (having forgotten) that the ugly blue hat floating around the country under the passenger seat is actually your ugly blue hat. (At least I'm pretty sure, I put it through the washing machine a few years ago and now it's shrunk so it wouldn't fit you anyway. Either way is has become some how associated with you in my mind, sorry if it actually has nothing to do with you, though I think it does.)

Now that I'm writing this I don't know what to say.

Only that because of you I am who I am today. There is this sliver of grace and determination and peculiar sadness and more than anything an unending joy in life and people and boulders that is part of me because it was part of you.

Thank you so much Josh. For making me try a little harder, breathe and hold on and laugh my way through this shining life. You were right Josh, you had it all figured out. It's all about Love. And sweet wild Rocks that leap over and lock us in. Not V grades, but good friends you didn't even know existed and that first moment your fingers touch rock in the cool morning rejoicing in anticipation of strength made ohh so beautiful.

I wish we could go climbing together. It would be so much fun.

Best wishes to all your family and friends, those who meant so much to you and you to them.

Take care all.

Elise Oren, Full Time Boulderer, Trying to do the Best She can to be a Good Person to all People. Look Josh! I finally made it to New England for a few months of bouldering this summer/fall. There were lots of ticks. :)

"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love-time is eternity."

From Beth
September 18, 2007

I have pondered all day how to express what is in my heart. What to say to your mother, my sister, 3 years after your going Home forever. Trying to remember what it was like for me 3 years later...after Nathan's Homegoing.

In the midst of it, as I sit here, I sense that you would tell me not to worry.... "just be there". That's so like you, Josh. As you walked this earth we all are passing through, Always you were there for others. You gave your heart away to others. I guess that's why this quote on my daily calendar has drawn me all day.

"What the heart gives away is never gone....It is kept in the hearts of others."
Robin St. John

So much of what your heart gave away is, indeed, kept in the hearts of many.

Love, Aunt Sue
September 18, 2007

On rainy days when I go out to the barn that you painted the summer of your great journey I can't help but smile -YOU ARE THE RAIN PAINTER!

I miss you... Aunt Anne

The Rain Painter
Those days all had started bright, hot with the beating sun-
The promise of good painting weather.
But the barn was still and quiet all those days-
the ladder resting
no slapping brushes
paint smells contained in closed cans
As those days moved forward clouds would creep in, the mist spreading it's delicate fingers over the barn.
Sprinkles and drizzles dotted the ground-
And then!
VOICES! LAUGHTER! CLATTERING CANS!
The young man with the ear to ear grin started to set up for work!
YES! The Rain Painter had arrived!

Aunt Anne
September 17, 2007

I miss you Josh!

Michelle
March 23, 2007

Dear Josh, As I read and reread messages from family and friends to you, I'm reminded once again what an awesome person you were.

Now you're completed and God has taken your gifts and character and made them perfect... for you are in His presence. How cool to realize that when we get to Heaven our talents aren't lost, but used there to perfection. You are all you were here and much more.

I thank God for your life.....for you.....your sincere interest in everyone you met, your seeking for truth, your great love for the outdoors, and for being the person each one in your life needed you to be for them.

I just told Uncle Bill and Jeremiah that I'm certain Jason was meant to take you climbing that first time. That, along with your dad's love of the outdoors, fed what God had placed in you even before birth.

I remember much about you, but must admit that I did not know you as well as others. That is my loss. I DO recall your visit to Ohio one summer where you ate 4-5 hamburgers (complete with buns and other supper items) in one sitting. I wondered at such youthful ability to devour such a great quantity of food at one time.

I also remember when you rendezvoused with us in our tipi at the Eastern Rendezvous there in New York. How you completely enjoyed the experience, diving into it with your whole being (much as you ate those hamburgers :o) )

Well, it would seem that I've saved up some thoughts over time and am just spilling them out now. Memories are a dear gift when one is gone from us. I'm thankful for these memories. I'm thankful for YOU, Josh.

Your life, and our Nathan's life, continue to challenge me to care for others and make a difference. We must carry on in your absence.

With love, thankfulness and appreciation,
Your Aunt Sue
March 12, 2007

Josh, sometimes you are so close, and I thank you for that. I don't know how you do it, but thank you for reaching out, for teaching us how to love everyday and for connecting me to such loving people. Your presence is permeating and it feels amazing. Happy Birthday, honey!

- Bethany

My First Christmas in Heaven

"I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away the tear, For I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear. And, be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a memory of my undying love. After, love is a gift more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear, Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year."

This poem was written by a 13 year old boy who died of a brain tumor that he had battled for four years. He died December 14, 1997. He gave this to his Mom before he died. His name was Ben.

Sent by Barbara Harrington - whose sister mailed the poem to everyone in their family the year their niece, Andrea, died.

"It is better to have loved and lost then never loved before".........what a bunch of crap. If you have ever loved, truly and deeply loved then you know to lose that part of you is like removing a part of your soul and simply walking away blindly to the next......What a mixed up world we live in when loss equals gain.........and yet we will always love. We will assign ourselves to a feeling and pray that in the end it is the light that we see when we pass, but in reality the light is NOW and if you wait it will lose interest and dim. DO NOT WAIT, LIFE IS NOW. If you wait it will be on to the next...the person who for one second realized its value and intensity and will not let it dim. Enjoy it, be in it. LIFE IS NOW!!

- Ben Harrington
February 7, 2007

Well as the saying goes "somethings never change". Some 13 or 14 years of being best friends and I still can't remember your birthday damnit. So in the spirit of consistency, Happy Belated Birthday. I Love You.

- Ben Harrington
January 31, 2007

You will always be remembered in my heart and my memories. Wish we could have spent more time together.

- Diana (Josh's sister)
January 30, 2007

I miss and love you Josh, Happy Birthday!

- Michelle (Josh's sister)
January 30, 2007