My amazing, wonderful, gifted, beautiful, and only sister Julianne recently passed away in her sleep. She was my favorite sibling (sorry bros), my guiding light, my moral compass, and my tether to reality.
We vibed on the same wavelength immediately from the first day I held her in the hospital. The bond was instant and permanent throughout everything life tossed at us.
I have no clue how I'll possibly go on without her.
She was my constant travel buddy (we decided when we each got our own travel shows, mine would be called ‘Going Nowhere with Goob' and hers would be ‘Jaunting Everywhere with Juls'), my comedy partner, and my absolute biggest encourager who believed in me like no-one else.
When I got cancer, she was the person who salvaged my spirits. I'm only here today because of her. When she fell on hard times, I picked her up and did my best to remind her of all the beauty in the world.
There's not a single area of my life that she didn't directly impact for the better – from my daily breakfast, to the silly little sayings I'm always muttering, all the way up to my life's grandest hopes and dreams. I'd give a million dollars to anybody who could find a single area in my life without her fingerprints all over it.
She was my best friend for over two decades and I count my blessings for every single second we had together.
There's an old adage not to say something online that you wouldn't want printed on the front page of your local newspaper. That aphorism never worked for me, but what did was thinking about how I'd explain myself to Juls. I never wanted to disappoint or let her down; in any way, shape, or form.
I hope I never did.
Some of you may remember Juls from 14 years ago when we first made our custom cow costumes for the annual Chick-fil-A promo.
That was my Juls. She was always down for spending quality time together doing any and everything – even when it was just making a goofy costume for a few hours & dressing up like a cow for a free meal that she couldn't even eat since she was vegetarian.
Juls was an amazing drawer and painter. She had the voice of an angel and a heart made of gold. She also had the most unhinged sense of humor that could ALWAYS make me belly laugh like no other. Her sense of humor was only topped by her actual laugh. I miss it already, but can thankfully still hear it so strongly in my head. I once spent 8 hours on a single 10 second prank just to make her laugh and it was worth every second.
She was the most empathetic and kind person I've ever met. She had a passion for animals and the environment too – her vegetarianism eventually evolved into veganism and despite my many years of joking mockery, I could never deny that she was easily the best cook & baker I knew. You should have seen the MASSIVE smile on her face when she revealed that the chocolate chip cookies I proclaimed to be the best I'd ever eaten had just been baked with all vegan ingredients.
She was so excited for me to meet the two cats (Mac and Cheez) she rescued during the pandemic. I hate that I'm meeting them under these terrible circumstances, but they are the nicest, sweetest, chillest cats I've ever met.
She did an amazing job raising them, just like she was amazing at everything else she did in life.
Juls went through college with a research career in mind and then spent a single semester working in an economically disadvantaged public school and immediately pivoted her life's goals. She adored “her kids” and was so excited to begin her career as a 3rd grade elementary school teacher this month.
That was the type of woman Juls had grown to be and I was so damn proud of her.
In lieu of flowers, my family set up a GoFundMe where a large portion will go towards providing much needed in-school and after-school support to her kids. The rest will go towards her local animal shelter where she volunteered and rescued her beloved cats.
I don't want to impose, but if any Hiffers are in a position to donate, my family and I would greatly appreciate it. Every penny raised will go towards making the world a better place, just like Juls would have wanted.
Here are a few of my many, many favorite photos of me and Juls.
I love and miss you so very much, Juls. ❤️
Sending you virtual hugs. So silly and small for something so big and profound as this loss.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Juls sounds like she was quite a lady, the kind of sister anyone would be lucky to have.
I don’t know you, and I didn’t know her. But I honestly feel a bit like crying. I’m glad that the two of you have such great memories that you made together before her passing.
You won’t get any religion from me; I’m an atheist. But I hope that you can find peace and solace through remembering your sister, and that those memories will bring smiles, rather than pain.
Best of luck to your family at what I know must be a difficult time. Consider yourselves hugged.💚
Praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss Goob.
thank you for sharing your love of your sister with us and my condolences to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for giving us this glimpse of Juls, and sharing her with us. She’s beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your sister. You sound like my little brother and I…if we were a bit cooler, lol. I loved reading about the love you two shared and all of the photos and adventures you had. ❤️
This is a lovely tribute. My dearest condolences.
Thank you for sharing her light, you seemed like the best of siblings and you were lucky to have each other. I only hope for the best for you and your family. So sorry about Juls.
My heart hurts for you. Much love.
I’d imagine no amount of words ease the grief, I’m so sorry you and your family are experiencing this, Goob. How much love you must have for Juls to write all that you did. I hope that you cherish all of the time you had together in this life. Sending you the biggest virtual hug.
– Julia
My sincere condolences Goob. Nothing helps with the grief right now, but I thank you for sharing some memories of Juls and I hope you can feel the blessings in them and that they may be a comfort to you. Prayers for you and your whole family.
So sorry for your loss, condolences to you and your family
so sad and sorry 🙁 she will always be remembered and its great that you shared this with us 🙁 you are a great guy
Goob, I’ve always been a silent follower and have visited your page multiple times a week for at LEAST 10 years, if not more.
The love you have for your sister is immense and I know there is nothing I could ever say to help ease your pain. I’m deeply sorry. I’m crying with you. Kiss those kitties for me. Juls was so blessed to have a brother like you.
*hugs*
I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister sounds like an amazing person. Sending love.
What a beautiful dedication to your beloved Juls. There are people in your life that are not only family but friends. What a bright light to be able to join you on your travels. Prayers and thoughts to your and your family.
I wish there were words I could type to help ease this pain… Nothing really eases it but focusing on the good and allowing time to heal. I felt this way about my Mom. When I lost her, it crushed me… This year makes 7 years. The hurts don’t come as often, and I try to allow myself to experience it when they come… But yeah. Be sure to allow yourself the time to grieve. *hugs* It will be rough, but you will get through this and make her so proud. ❤️
I’m so sorry for you loss. I lost my mom 16 years ago and miss her laugh everyday. But there are times, when I watch one of her favorite movies, my kids do something crazy in a way that can’t be described, or I do something insane in attempts to embarrass them like she did with me, I can hear her laugh, I see her smile, I feel her love surrounding me.
It will forever suck that the ones that we love and need the most pass before we are able to finish making the most of life and make all the memories we want. But know that they are always with you, always in your heart, and no matter what-you make them proud.
Sending you hugs and positive energy during this hard time. <3
So sad to hear, what a beautiful person, full of life Goob. She was loved, a lot you can tell. Best she went in her sleep, that’s how I want to go when it’s time. Again, sorry for your great loss.
I am so sorry for your loss
Can not even imagine. What a devastating loss. I am so, so sorry Goob. Will say some prayers for you guys.
All our love Brother!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories and message with us. It is an honor read about your beautiful sister. Praying for you and your family during this terrible time.
So sorry for your loss. Looks like you two had a wonderful time when you were together. Keep those memories in your heart.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family…
So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. It was a beautiful post you did in her memory. Thoughts are with you, all the best.
I had a terrible feeling it was your sister. You’d mentioned her with fondness before. What an achingly sad story to read—it sounds like not only did you and your family lose a wonderful sibling/daughter, but the world in general lost a wonderful, caring person, way too young. I’m glad you gave us a chance to donate in her name, to a cause she cared about. (I hope you’re Ryan–you only ever call yourself Goob here.) You really are so very lucky to have had such a fun, caring relationship. Not every family offers a chance for such a close bond between two siblings. I hope your memories of her comfort you for all time.
I’m wishing you peace in your time of sorry. It looks like you have wonderful memories of your sister Juls’.
Always know she is near and watching out for and still Loves You. Take care my friend.
Thanks for sharing this personal post. So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to you & your family
I’m so sorry for your loss. I read your tribute with tears in my eyes. How lucky she was to have a brother who loved her as you did and still do. Just remember this, those we love will never leave us. They live on in our hearts until we meet them again. She’s right there with you and always will be.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your sister with us all. My best to you and your family.
Again, I’m sorry for your loss. She sounds like a great woman and sister. You guys certainly had a special bond. The wonderful memories you have will help you through. Keep smiling. She’s watching. 🙂
This was a very hard post to read, I’m so very sorry fo your loss. Such a young soul and bright light, I can’t wrap my mind around it, even with a lengthy hospice career. I have one brother, I don’t know what I would do without him. The only thing that offers me comfort is she has beautiful children left behind, when you look in their eyes, you will see the spark of your sister and feel the hope they will bring into this world while we are all here. They will probably inherit her gifts and quirks, you will feel her presence and she will guide you all thru this. I am sorry your heart has to hurt, I don’t wish that for anyone. Please know you have many who care for you and yours and send heart healing vibes.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cried as I read your beautiful tribute to your sister. I lost my sister to Covid two years ago and my life will never be the same. She was my bestie and we were always together having fun and doing stupid stuff that made us laugh. She was my rock during hard times and I was hers. I feel so lost without her and it’s like a part of me has been taken away. I know how sad and broken you feel. I hope over time your tears will be less and your memories will bring you more smiles.
Keeping you and your family in prayer during such a difficult time
I’m profoundly sorry for your tragic loss … losing a beloved sibling is one of life’s highest hurdles. May your many wonderful memories of Juls be a blessing to you and your entire family.
I am so sorry for your loss! Beautiful tribute!
My heart goes out to you. I’m so sorry that your sister was taken and I’m so glad for you that you have such wonderful memories.
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.. My heart aches for you.. May she rest easy and in peace..
I am so sorry for your loss
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing person!
I don’t know how I found your site but I’ve followed u for a long time and my heart hurts for u! May u always treasure her memories! She sounds and looks so beautiful in everything she is/was and I hope u continue to keep her with u no matter where u go in life! I have to say I’m jealous of u guys. My sibling and I have never had a bond like yours! ❤️Conquers all. Be strong Goob!
I’m a long time follower and first time commenter. I am so touched by this post and tribute to your sister. Having my brother as my best friend, I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. Thank you for sharing your sister with us, and seeing what a beautiful person she was, and beautiful memories you have. Prayers for you and your family.
Goob~ The love and the joy that you shared with your sister, and now with us, sounds so wonderful. And your beautiful tribute reminds me, and I’m sure so many others, of all the good and beauty that life can hold. Thank you for sharing it! That reminder is just another gift that she (and you!) bring to the universe. I hope you feel all the caring coming back to you from your readers. Take care, and keep us posted, as you are able, on how you are doing. You are much appreciated!!!
Deepest condolences. Hang onto her light.
I am so very sorry for your loss. How lucky you both were to have such a special relationship. My heart goes out to you.
Tears ran down my face as I read the most heartfelt and beautiful tribute I’ve ever read. Jules sounds as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. The two of you made wonderful memories together and what a treasure to have many pictures together. I hope in time you will continue to have adventures in her honor. Jules will watch over you and smile her lovely smile. Goob, remember the times you spent together not the ones you did not.
Take care of yourself.
a concerned grandmom
I am so very sorry for your loss. You write so eloquently about her and your memories will last forever. She will always be with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have wonderful memories to hold on to. Thanks for sharing the pictures, she was lucky to have you as a brother.
My heart aches for you
That was absolutely beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes. My dad passed away in his sleep 5 years ago due to cancer. It is still hard to cope at times. I am so sorry about your loss! Tough times are still to come. Keep your head high and don’t slip into deep thoughts because the holidays are around the corner and I still get depressed because he is all I had!
I am so very sorry. I have no idea if I could go on without my sister. Prayers and memories!
Deepest sympathy.
Heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.
Your sister sounds like an amazing person…and this tribute was beautiful.
So sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry. 💔
There are tears in my eyes – hugs to you! Thank you for sharing this lovely remembrance of your sister.
So sorry for your loss. You were blessed to have such an amazing sister, and wonderful relationship with her. Praying for comfort for you and for all that are grieving, in Jesus’ name.
So very, very sorry for your loss. This was absolutely beautiful to read and I feel you definitely brought up all of the best of her. I wish nothing but good things for you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful tribute to your sister. Thank you for sharing it, and taking the time to let us have a glimpse into what a wonderful person your sister was. I read every word of it and looked at every photo.
I’m so sorry. I’ve followed your website for years, even before your diagnosis. I’m so sorry to hear about this. I couldn’t even imagine pain like this.
So sorry. She seems like the best sister ever.
Thank you for sharing her with us. My condolences to you, your family, and the many lives she touched throughout her stay. You and your family are in my prayers 🙏 💛
This was an absolutely beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories together give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Remember and hold on to the good times.
I’ve followed your site for years and this was the most profound and deeply personal account of a persons life I’ve ever read. She sounded amazing and we can all tell from your beautiful words how much she meant to you. Prayers for you and sending good vibes to help you through it all. Take care!
If there were something to pray to, he wouldn’t be in mourning right now.