Today on what would have been Josh’s 30th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the bittersweet tapestry of our lives. I reflect on the profound impact his life—and more importantly his death—has had on me, his family and our communities. Today is not just a remembrance of his birth, it is a celebration of his legacy which continues to promote positive change.
Josh’s life was a meteor: brilliant, powerful, and tragically short. Three decades ago, I held him in my arms for the first time, feeling the overwhelming surge of unconditional love that only a parent can know. His beaming smile and spirit just like his sister Brooke’s was the light of my life. Josh grew up with a carefree zest for life, an infectious laugh, and a kindness that drew people to him. Even as a young man, he had the ability to sense when others were in need and to offer his help without hesitation.
But on that life changing day, just after his 21st birthday, our world was shattered when Josh’s life was taken in an unprovoked act of violence. A life brimming with possibility was cut short by a senseless crime, leaving behind a void and lifelong sadness in the lives of all who loved him.
In the wake of such loss and grief, there is a pain which seeps into my being like a relentless tide. The weight of his absence was—and remains—indescribable. I grapple with the never-ending question that haunts every bereaved parent: "Why?" Every milestone, every family gathering echoes with the silence of his absence. The pain will never fully fade; it will merely find new spaces within my heart to reside.
Yet, in the darkest hours, I looked for the light and I found my purpose. Josh’s legacy would not be defined by the tragedy of his death but by the strength of his spirit and the positive impact he had on the world.
Shortly after our loss, I started a foundation in Josh’s honour to uplift and support victims of crime, transforming my agony into action. Through advocacy, outreach, and a series of life-saving initiatives, Josh’s legacy now includes helping to spare other families the heartbreak we have endured. We've funded creative crime prevention interventions for young people, and our campaigning for legislative
#grief #bereavedmum #JoshHanson #forever21 #happy30thbirthday
