In memory of my grandson, Joel Byrne, 15

Please read this beautiful tribute written my my son, Don, to his son Joel. He and his wife, Monica and his two sisters, Julia and Jane need your prayers.

Friends, it’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I share with you the loss of our dear son Joel who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, February 4th of natural causes. He touched many lives in his short 15 years especially in his faith and how he treated others. He is my role model. As sad as we are, we must commit to keeping his light shining and to be more like Joel. He showed us how to be that light. Befriending those in need, not leaving someone behind, picking up trash on the ground (yes he consistently picked up trash if he walked past it), smiling, joking, being sincere, not wasting, cherishing memories. The prayer of St Francis best exemplifies his light. For those of you that have witnessed his light, please share with us those examples. And please pray. Especially for our wonderful daughters Julia and Jane who lost not only a brother but a cherished friend.

We are making final arrangements and should know more today/tomorrow. in Fairfax, VA likely early next week.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Yes, he was my grandson and grandchildren are always perfect, but Joel was truly exceptional as his family and friends will tell you. Loving, smiling, smart, athletic and more. I constantly hear him say as Barb and I be unloading our suitcases for a visit after springing out of the house (he must have been watching for our arrival, “Grandpa, I got it! His many friends are grieving and flooding Don and Monica’s with love unending.

Joel Patterson Byrne at his confirmation