Josh,
Thank you for being such a great big/oldest cousin. I will speak for all the cousins with this, you had such a huge impact on our lives and influenced us to become who we are today in so many ways. From gaming to cars, technology to outdoor activities, but most importantly, family time, you greatly impacted our lives.
One of my fondest memories of you is something that happened over and over again. Every December 23, Aunt Sue’s house, you would bring your N64 and we all would play Golden Eye. On the 24th you would pull out the Xbox and all of us would play Halo. Anytime there was a party at your parent’s we would game on Super Nintendo or whatever system you had. I’ll never forget those times. To be a kid again…
You always prioritized family, and cared so much about family. During the tragic passing of Grandma and Grandpa, the whole family went through some sort of Hell. However, during those times you were a pillar for the family. Whether it was Christmas, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, random birthdays, random winter trips up north, Fisher family reunions, we could count on you being there. One thing is for sure, you never took family for granted.
Another memory that I will never forget is Aunt Tami’s wedding. During that time, the song “Who Let the Dogs Out” swept the nation. We cousins lost our marbles when that song was played on the dance floor. I think we asked the DJ to play it numerous times. Shortly after Tami’s wedding is when Grandma and Grandpa tragically passed away. Shortly after their passing, you drove to Oconomowoc to pick me up to hang out. As soon as I got in your car, you put Who Let the Dogs Out on the radio. I remember you looked at me, waited for me to recognize the song and as soon as I recognized the song I lost my marbles and you busted a gut with that contagious laughter you had. As a kid that was the coolest thing - to hang out with my big cousin, especially with what we were going through as a family. What a special day.
A more recent memory is us at a very important day for a family member of ours. You and I were talking and we both admitted to each other that we didn’t get a gift for said family member. You said, “I brought the Mustang, we can take care of this quickly.” We told our wives we’re going go to the store. We hopped in the Mustang and peeled out of the parking lot. We ripped across town to the store. Got the gifts, solved the problem. Man, that thing was fast! You had such great taste in cars.
Finally, during the last year or so you were with us, anytime we talked or texted you encouraged me to get to know God again, to attend church. Even while you battled that horrible sickness, you cared more about me finding God than about sympathy for your situation. Josh, I couldn’t ask for a better cousin…
I can only imagine what you saw, what you heard, what you felt, when God called you home. When you were looking face-to-face with Jesus and he said, “well done, good and faithful servant.” I can only imagine what it was like when Grandma and Grandpa called your name and gave you the biggest, warmest hugs. One day I’ll know.
Do us all a favor, Josh, tell Grandma and Grandpa we miss them. Crack a Blatz open with Grandpa. Go on a long bike ride with Grandma. Cherish being with them again. All of us long for the day that we get to see you and them again. What a family reunion that will be…
Until we meet again, Josh.
Your cousin, DJ.
