Joseph's Forever Five Flock

On the morning of January 2nd, 2024, I received a call that I hope no other mother (or father) ever has to receive. The voice at the other end of the line said, “Something bad happened to Joe.” Five words that changed my life forever. By the evening of January 4th, 2024, Joseph gained his angel wings and went to be with God. My forever five-year-old was the most adventurous, comical, fun-loving, inventive, kind hearted, and sassy little boy. He was also the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Joseph was loyal, loving, and always bringing joy to those lucky enough to know him.

Joe was an avid learner and enjoyed going to school each day and religion each week. In his free time, he loved going to skating, swimming, and cooking lessons. He also took ninja classes and attended farm camp. At home, Joseph loved to do science experiments, built a plethora of cool things, played Pokémon, drove his electric Jeep all around town, sang sea shanties, teamed up on me with his furry sister, Harper, made “bad guy stew,” and collected rubber ducks - a collection that started on his two cruises to Bermuda and continued long after returning home.

In the fall of 2025, Joseph became a big brother which was something he had always dreamed of and talked about with so much excitement. One of the hardest parts of this journey is knowing I will never get to watch him step into that role. It’s a loss within a loss - one that is felt deeply every single day. Still, I see pieces of him in his sister, and I know that his memory lives on through her and in all that we do.

Navigating life after loss is extremely painful and challenging, especially when you have so many unanswered questions. Kindermourn has provided me with a safe space to grieve and share memories of my sweet boy - a true hero who gifted others with his major organs. His impact continues to be felt through the annual hockey tournament held in his honor, bringing people together to celebrate his life, his spirit, and the joy he brought to others. I find comfort in knowing that he is always with us, watching over us each and every day. My new goal in life is to keep Joseph’s memory alive. To start this journey, I’m hoping to expand Joe’s rubber duckie collection, which in turn will help me and others who are going through the grieving process.

No donation is too big or too small. Thank you in advance to everyone who chooses to support Joseph’s Forever Five Flock on our mission to keep Joseph’s memory alive. I appreciate your generosity more than you know.

Joseph, I love you the most in the whole entire world and universe…to Heaven and back!

With Love,

Kristyn (Mommy)

HELP US FLOAT HOPE!

KinderMourn provides hope for bereaved parents, grieving children, and teens by offering support and counseling programs, creating awareness of bereavement issues, and empowering the community to effectively assist those who have suffered an unthinkable loss.

By adopting ducks, you help children, adults, and families in our community navigate the maze of loss and bereavement. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many.

What Your Ducks Can Do:

A Six Quack (6) - $30

Provides a week's worth of snacks and drinks, offered to all children and teens who visit the KinderMourn home for counseling

The Lucky Dozen (13) - $65

Provides one counseling session for a newly bereaved parent grieving the loss of a child at any age or from any cause

The Whole Raft (20) - $100

Provides one counseling group session with professional KinderMourn counselors for teens grieving the loss of a loved one

Super Flock (50) - $250

Provides counseling with KinderMourn clinical staff to school communities, employers, churches, etc. after a tragic or unexpected death

Thank you for adopting ducks and supporting KinderMourn!