Many people have been touched by Julia, treasuring the moments spent with her and the life lessons she taught us all. She was dearly loved. Please share how Julia touched your life or any thoughts and prayers you have for the Hillebrand family.♥ CLICK COMMENTS BELOW TO WRITE YOUR MESSAGE AND BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR NAME
I got to know Julia after being asked to pray for her by Fr Simon. I work in a girl's school and would share her enthusiasm and incredible flow of art and imagination with them during morning prayer. Her journal entries were a delight and an inspiration. Julia held no doubt that she was in God's hands even in her most difficult times - even the courage to say that she was afraid. Everytime she set herself a target I would pray that she made it and she always did. She is one of the most influential people I have ever met and that was just through the Caring Bridge link and St Pats. I will miss her and can only imagine how much her leaving must be affecting those around her. Every peace and blessing to all who shared her life. In God's hands always. m+x
ReplyDeleteOur sincerest condolences to Nan and Paul and family for the loss of your beloved Julia. She has been a central intention of my daily rosary for months. God bless you all and may He be your strength and consolation.
ReplyDeleteGreg Michalowski
ReplyDeleteI will miss the wisdom and innocence of Julia's words and paintings. She inspired many to be better disciple of Christ and for this I am thankful. May the Hillebrands find comfort in knowing the impact of Julia's brave journey to Christ and may we all follow that path she created for us all. Peace be with you.
When I look at the photo on this page, I am struck by Julia’s beauty. It is amazing that Julia was able to touch so many people that she didn’t even know. Our family has been praying for Julia throughout the year. The thought of a terminal illness attacking such a beautiful and beloved, young girl turned the world upset down for my teenage children. Although we read the paper regularly, discuss world events, and pray for those in many devastating circumstances, our vulnerability became undeniable when a family from our own parish was confronted with the impending death of a child. To see Paul bravely continue his work and to hear him sing of God’s glory in the midst of his pain was awe inspiring. We have evidence that Love triumphed throughout the pain and fear. It was wonderful and enlightening to see and hear through the Care Pages, that Julia’s life continued to be filled with activity, learning, goals, hope, fun, and companionship, as well as encouragement. It was a wonderful lesson and a challenge to each of us to live our best lives every day. I hope it is some comfort to Julia’s family to know that her optimism, smile, and love of God and family are seared in our hearts and that she will remain in our hearts and prayers forever. Thank you Julia, Paul, Nan, Michael, MaryClaire, Madeline and Peter. May God continue to bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJulia was young in years but was a teacher beyond numerical age. Reading Julia entries in Caring Bridge gave us all lessons in faith, dealing with adversity and how to make each day count. Being the partner to a loved one facing serious health issues sometimes I looked to Julia's writing for a 'lesson'...she was a good teacher.
ReplyDeleteOur sincere condolences to her family--they are an example for us all.
I remember years ago when I was the Youth Minister at St. Patrick's sitting in a Liturgy Planning meeting discussing one of the upcoming Youth Liturgies. The Psalm for this particular Sunday was Psalm 23. We wanted to try something different, and Paul suggested having his daughter, Julia, be the cantor. That Sunday rolled around, and Julia came up to the Ambo. I have always remembered the presence this little girl had as approximately 1000 or so people followed her lead. She sang and prayed the psalm as beautifully and gracefully as I have ever heard, and I will never forget it. Julia has been a true inspiration to so many, especially over the past year and a half. Her faith, courage, and hope have provided myself and many with a new outlook on life and the Lord who loves us all. May God bless the Hillebrand family with his comfort and peace and the knowledge that their example of faith has served as an inspiration to many.
ReplyDeleteEric Porteous
Although I now live in California, my parents have been keeping me abreast on Julia's battle the last several months. While her life was far too short, she has undeniably touched thousands of people's hearts and lives through her courage and love. To the Hillebrands - God bless and peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteA Life too short, but filled with love. My deepest condolences. Gods' blessing to you all
ReplyDeleteJulia is the angel I pray to. Her faith and trust were beyond imagination, a guiding light for everyone. She had the best examples....Nan and Paul and Michael, MaryClaire, Madeline and Peter. A family that gave of themselves unceasingly. Love to the heavens and back. Mouse-a-Cookie
ReplyDeleteAlthough we didn't know Julia, we prayer for her each week at St. Patrick's. What a beautiful and sweet face. I can't imagine losing a child but Paul has shown what great strength and faith throughout the past year. May she remain their Angel, both on earth and in heaven. God Bless the Hillebrand's!
ReplyDeleteA life so young released to heaven ...
ReplyDeleteLeft on earth, we wonder "Why?"
But some are sent among us briefly ...
Some have spirits meant to fly.
Julia ~ your spirit will be remembered every single day.
Peace to the Hillebrand family every day of their lives.
Gerri Porteous
Julia has been such an inspiration to me through her postings on Caring Bridge. I never met Julia but was in awe of her. Such a beautiful young lady with so much to share. Peace and God's blessings to the Hillebrand family.
ReplyDeleteI never got to know Julia personally, but was always reading about her brave fight on Caring Bridge website. She lived life to the fullest and was so talented. A bright little star.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the sadness her parents are experiencing at this time. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. May the love of your fellow parishioners , friends and family lift you up and give you strength. Surrounded by the talented friends in the music ministries, I am sure there are many songs that will always remind you of your love for your bright little star Julia. God be with you.
Micheline Muller - St Patrick's Parishioner
Dear Paul and Family,
ReplyDeleteAlthough you do not know me or my family on a personal basis, I attend St. Patrick's Chruch and you sang at the wedding of my daughter, Caroline, and the memorial service of my 25 year old son, Christopher, both at Brophy Chapel. My son passed away almost 9 years ago on Christmas Eve...So, I feel that I have celebrated my greatest joys and grieved my greatest sorrows listening to the joy or comfort of your beautiful voice. And, now, ironically, it is my turn, to express to you that I know, first hand, the depth of your pain and yet, the depth of your faith in God, His mercy, His wisdom and, in time, His peace. For my son's service, you sang "Somewhere" from West Side Story. I requested this song, NOT just because it is one of my favorites, but because it represents what we, as Christians believe..There IS a place for us, somewhere a place for us...Peace and quiet and open air, Time to love, Time to share...As you lay your precious daughter to rest, please remember that we, as Christians, WILL have that time to be together again, for all eternity. And, on those painful, sleepless nights to come, please be comforted by this spiritual insight...We NEVER have to say good bye, it's just a kiss good night...
May the peace of Jesus bring comfort to you and your family this Christmas season and in the years to come.
Your friend, Angela Pacheco
Although we are not there with you in person, we are with you in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hillebrand family ~ and with the entire Saint Patrick's faith community ~ as you lift your collective voices this morning to celebrate the life of this precious angel. Please know that you are being held in gentle thought and prayer ~ and when you remember Julia, may love be what you remember most. From Sarasota, Florida, Michael and Marty Tousley
ReplyDeleteDear Paul and Family,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading Julia's journal entries daily and cannot describe how they have touched me.
Today I attended the most beautiful Funeral Service...and the memory of this will be forever in my heart and spirit.
You have a beautiful family... Listening to you all speak, watching you all sing and rejoice in the memory of Julia.
What a wonderful tribute.
As I drove into church, I was overwhelmed with the amount of people that have been touched by Julia like myself.
There was not a seat available and standing room only...
The music was magnificent, and Father Eric's homily was beautiful.
I have never met Julia personally, but I learned a lot about her from her entries and the eulogy today. She truly was a beautiful angel.
I am truly sorry for your loss of Julia. My hearts and prayers will be with you all throughout this time.
Blessing to your family,
Tammy Frazier
Dear Paul and family,
ReplyDeleteJulia's service was so beautiful - thank you for sharing her with all of us! You are truly a very special family and an inspiration. We know the loss you are feeling and want you to know that you are in our prayers. It makes me smile to know that Julia is with Sydney - 2 beautiful little angels watching over us!
With love and prayers,
Jeff and Julie Hudson (Taylor, Molly and Abby)
Dear Hillebrand Family,
ReplyDeleteJulia has touched many people's lives, displaying love, courage, faith and wisdom.
I will keep Julia's spirit and memory with me throughout my life.
God Bless the Hillebrand family and all.
Brian Michalowski
I never knew Julia personally, but I wish I had gotten the chance to meet her. Her story and experiences and faith in God have changed my outlook on life. In the hardest times of her too-short life, she looked to Christ instead of being afraid. From her, I have learned that you only get one life, and you have to live it to the fullest and with no regrets. And God is always with you. Julia, please watch over us all. And have fun in Heaven! You deserve it :)
ReplyDeleteTo the Hillebrand family:
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you from Iowa. Though we never had a chance to meet Julia, everything we have heard and read tell us she was an amazing girl with great faith. God bless your family.
Brian & Julie Hillebrand
To the Hillebrand family,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do know most of you...I didn't get to know Julia very well until after her diagnosis as I would read her words on CaringBridge everyday. She has the most beautiful soul and always put others first. Through her words, I saw Christ in her. As Father Eric said at her mass, "A 12 year old girl passing away is not a tragedy. It's not a tragedy because she loved and was loved. A tragedy is a 50 year old man dying alone without love".
May you all find peace in the arms of Grace.
Love,
Michelle Hoy
Julia's Journey had such a positive impact on so many peoples lives. Her faith and courage are a fabulous example to all of the way to suffer with dignity and grace. In her 12 years and especially in the last 15 months she has impacted more lives than most of can in our extended lives. Julia's Celebration was the best ever, all the 1700 there celebrated, and cried joyful tears for Sweet Julia and the magnificent demostration of love that she represents.
ReplyDeleteJulia was such an inspiration to so many at such a young age. She touched more lives in the last 16 months than most touch in 60 years. I am sure you will all cherish every memory of time spent with her. It is apparent that you all pulled together to make these last months memorable and bearable. It is an inspiration how you were all there guiding her along. Despite all the pain, medical issues and treatments the family made her life worth living. Julia will
ReplyDeleteforever be in our hearts thanks to her loving and devoted family. Rest in peace Julia!
Paul and Nan,
ReplyDeleteChrist's peace to you and your family and my family is praying for your healing.
Thank you for sharing your journey through Julia's illness with all of us at St. Pat's and beyond. All of you are an inspiration to us all. You demonstrated for us how the beauty of our love for another being can be a healing force in everyone's life. You showed us how to help someone leave this earth with a sense of joy. How difficult this must have been when your hearts were breaking! Julia' Mass of Resurrection was truly the most beautiful funeral I have ever attended. I felt her presence everywhere in the room and it was a joyful one. As you go through this year of "firsts" without her physical presence, may you be blessed with memories of the good times, with the knowledge that she felt your love each and everyday, and that you did what the Lord would have us all do---celebrate the life we have. I will remember you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Peterson
My husband and I sang in the choir at St. Patrick's for several years and loved the experience and the music but since we opened our business we have not been able to participate in the choir. We remain parishioners at St. Patrick's and connected to the choir. When I first met Paul, I thought he was one of the most faith filled men I had ever met. His voice is magnificent and his spirit is heart-warming. Julia's story is an amazing tribute to her and to her family and while I did not know her personally I followed her on Caring Bridge and sent her an occasional message telling her how much she inspired me. I call her an angel on earth. I attended her resurrection mass and was deeply moved by the experience. I kept thinking to myself, how do you bury your baby and when I saw the out pour of support and the amazing celebration of this child's life, I said to myself - this is how you bury a child - knowing she was so incredibly loved on this earth and is in the arms of Jesus now. I have never experienced anything like her "resurrection mass" in my life and it had a profound impact on me.
ReplyDeleteWhen her family and Fr. Eric talked about Julia writing "thank you" notes to her family and the countless hours spent composing those letters with the help of her family, I thought "this" is what we are on this earth for. To be there and love one another in the most basic and yet profound way.
The Hillebrand family is in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your daughter with all of us.
Maria
We cannot believe it has been three long months since you left us Julia. We miss you. Peace and love to your wonderful family. Love, The Fahys
ReplyDeleteI remember Julia with love, with beauty, with innocence, but mostly with great love. Two years have come and gone, and still, the absence of Julia is felt by many. My sincere prayers to Paul and Nan, to Michael, Madeline, Maryclaire and Peter - Julia will always be a part of each of you, and a part of many of us at St. Patrick.
ReplyDeleteWith much love,
~Dana
It's been four years since Julia's passing, yet her legacy remains as inspiring and influential as ever. I was 14 years old at the inception of Julia's illness, and though I don't remember too many details from my freshman/sophomore year, I do remember being deeply moved by the innumerable demonstrations of love poured out for your daughter by the St. Patrick's community. Like everyone else fortunate enough to cross Julia's path, I was awed by her beauty, sweetness, talent, and intellect. What an extraordinary gift from God!
ReplyDeleteDuring these past few days, I've found myself returning to Julia's CaringBridge profile. As a triplet from a similarly tight-knit family, surrounded by two brothers and an older sister, I was fortunate enough to see several traces of my own family in yours, and was profoundly touched by your commitment to making every day as meaningful, memorable, and joy-filled as possible. There's no doubt she felt extraordinarily loved. Thank you, all of you, for serving as witnesses of love, hope, grace, and service. Julia will remain in my prayers. <3