Justin's Birthday 2/ 12/ 09 - letter from Julie

Today is Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. Justin would have been 33 years
old. I know he was born on a Thursday and I think he died on a
Thursday, so this birthday seems somewhat significant.

Last year on Feb. 12 Bill and I saw a 3D movie of a U2 concert. It
was incredible, but even more incredible was the wonderful surprise
to hear two phone messages from Justin's friends.. the same two
friends that I had texted while Bill was driving us home!

I love these coincidences that Justin is a part of. I hope they will
continue to happen.

Since last Feb. we have heard from three friends of Justin's for the
first time; their letters were very thoughtful and moving to read.
Both Bill and I still love the idea that we are P2's (parents also)
to some of you. We feel honored when we receive your notes, photos
and momentos and especially your visits.

Our first GS2 (grandson also) came to visit with his parents and
sister. His name is Jett (J for Justin) Coleman Lord Kim. We are
hoping both he and his sister are as close as cousins as they grow up
with our favorite little guy, Chandra's son Lucas Jason (J for
Justin) Lord Ross. He will be 2 in April!

Both Chandra and I see a lot of Justin in Lucas. I hope Lucas will
continue to grow up surrounded by the love of us all.

This year's first grant of money from our foundation is going to the
Orange County Partnership for Young Children, a local Smart Start
agency. All the money will be used to buy bicycles for
underprivileged children. I will have updates on all of the
recipients of foundation money for 2008 and 2009 in October. Try to
keep Sat. October 17 saved for a memorial hike or bike ride.

Over the next five years or so I hope to compile quotes, thoughts and
facts that I think Justin would have found fun, interesting and / or
profound. This idea came to me after I read Justin's friend Mike
Lake's 1st edition of The Wisdom, Wit and Words of Others. He
dedicated the book to Justin with these words:

"To my dear friend, Justin Lord Coleman, whose spirit and legacy
lives on in the many ways he has inspired all who knew him. May his
profound questions about life, insatiable thrist for knowledge and
exploration of the world around him live on in each of us."

Meanwhile, have a "Justin moment" sometime soon - spontaneously go
for a mini trip, call a friend you haven't seen in ages, lay on your
back and look at the sky or just take 5 minutes in the middle of a
busy day.

Take care
Love,
Julie