Two Years Without You, Joshua - Still Standing on God’s Promises Today marks two years since my beloved son, Joshua Bernard Reis, was pronounced dead. It was a Sunday morning October 8th, 2023. I remember it so clearly. I woke up early, preparing for church, with a heart full of hope. I prayed that the Most High would hear my cry and give me a miracle. But instead, I was told that my son would no longer be among the living — they were preparing to unplug him from life support. I cannot put into words the pain that rushed through my body that day. My heart felt like it had been torn apart. I was trusting God for a different answer, praying for a different outcome, but that answer did not come. After six in the evening, they unplugged my son, Joshua, and my world went silent. As a mother, it was the most heartbreaking moment of my life watching a decision being made that I did not agree with, and feeling powerless to stop it. My heart screamed, but no one could hear !
it. That day changed me forever. Yet, two years later, I stand here not because I am strong on my own, but because God’s grace has carried me. I am still standing on His promises. I am still holding steadfast to His word, because even in my deepest sorrow, I know this truth: I am loved by Him, I am cherished by Him, and I am redeemed by His blood. Joshua’s life continues to inspire this mission — to turn pain into purpose, to bring healing where there is hurt, and to give hope to families who walk through the same valley of grief. So today, I pause to honor his memory, to acknowledge the ache that still l

A heartfelt message that captures the depth of my emotions: Joshua, Joshua, Joshua, my son...It’s the 7th of October, 12:08 in the morning. A year ago, this time, I was lying in my bed, praying to the universe for a miracle, hoping you would wake up, that somehow, with the new light, you would return to me. But today, I am sitting in your room, where I’ve been all day yesterday, until now watching the television, with the computer on, but my thoughts are only on you. Tears are falling from my eyes because tm tomorrow, this year, marks one year. One year, my son, since they took you from me. My heart is shattered. One year... how have I lived without you? It has been so hard, and every day, I feel the weight of your absence. I know that one day, maybe my heart will feel a little lighter, a little less broken, but right now, Joshua, I am overwhelmed. In a few days, I have to leave this place that we once called home, but it doesn’t feel like home anymore. They took you!
, and with you, they took all my joy. This place holds only sorrow now. Living this past year without you has been beyond hard. I am coping the best I can, trying to heal my body, mind, and spirit so I can focus on the path I believe the universe has laid before me fighting for a better society, advocating for families like ours who have been shattered by gun violence. Joshua, my love, I pray you continue to guide us. Be the beacon of light you always were, shining bright for all of us who need you. Naomi needs you, Krystal needs you, Christopher needs you,Enumah needs you, Ariyah needs you, Serenity needs

June 7, 2024, marks the National Day Against Gun Violence a day that holds profound significance for families, parents, children, siblings, and loved ones who have endured the devastating loss of a child to gun violence. This day serves as both a solemn reminder of the lives tragically cut short and a call to action against a pervasive and preventable crisis. For many, this day brings a surge of emotional trauma. It reminds us of the moments stolen and the futures unfulfilled. Families who have lost their children to gun violence experience an indescribable pain and void that never fully heals. My son, Joshua, was one of those lost. He was shot on September 24, 2023, in the Danzig community a place where violence has disturbingly become normalized. Joshua was taken off life support at Sunnybrook Hospital on October 8, 2023, without my permission, adding to the anguish and sense of injustice. Yet, despite the grief and sorrow, this day also represents an opportunity. It is a chance to amplify our voices and demand real change. While our leaders may have designated this day to give the appearance of addressing gun violence, the reality is that meaningful action remains lacking. The daily toll of youth and young adult lives lost to gun violence continues unabated, highlighting a failure to enact effective gun control measures. As we observe this National Day Against Gun Violence, let us not be silenced or placated by mere gestures. Let us use this day to speak out vehemently against inadequate gun laws and the ongoing, senseless deaths they allow. We must channel our grief