Dear friends,
Our sweet Julianna went to heaven today. I am stunned and heartbroken, but also thankful. I feel like the luckiest mom in the world, for God somehow entrusted me with this glorious child, and we got almost six years together. I wanted more time, of course, and that’s where the sadness comes in. But she is free now.
I will have more to say later. For now, this is what is in my heart.
Today, I just want the world to know that there was a girl named Julianna.
She was a bright light. An old and delightful soul.
She loved love, and “everyone except for bad guys.”
She was an unabashed princess and she elevated everyone around her. We were all kings, queens, princes and princesses by association.
She urged us to play, to really focus on just playing. She encouraged us to be our most colorful and fabulous self. (One of her last words to me: “What’s that?” to my gray sweater…)
Her mind was “always going.” It took us to a beautiful world without limits.
Her words were startling. Sometimes I thought that people wouldn’t believe the conversations I recorded. How could a five year old know those things? But if you spent any time with her, you knew.
She fought hard to be here, harder than I’ve seen anyone fight, with a body that was too frail for this world. She was so brave — and I hated that she had to be so brave. This last fight was not to be won by her body. It was tired, and it needed to rest. And when it did, she was comfortable.
Today, she is free. Our sweet Julianna is finally free.
Please do not forget her. She lived, she was real, and she mattered.
I cannot believe that she’s gone. Already, I worry that some of her has faded, and I need to remember all of her. The way her warm little hands felt, the hugs she would give by asking you to drape her arm around your neck. The kisses she blew. They never ran out.
Please remember our precious girl: she was Julianna.
Julianna Yuri Snow
25 August 2010 – 14 June 2016
Feature photo and photo on right by Audrie LeGault.
Julianna Yuri 
Dearest Michelle,
I’m still stunned and speechless….please accept this huge hug from your’s and Julianna’s friend. My sincere love to you my dear sister Michelle.
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Just read this.. I can’t find the words to tell you how I wished this wasn’t true. I can’t even imagine your pain.. because I know that if we all hurt with her going to Heaven you must feel an immeasurable heartache. I can reiterate, our Sweet Precious Princess Julianna will never be forgotten she has imprinted herself in our hearts and we will love her forever. May you find comfort in knowing she is in Our Father’s arms, drawing, singing and dancing away. Thank you so much for sharing her life with us, you have no idea what she has done for me. She has shown me unselfish love and to look at the positive in all things. God just needed her with him now. We will see her eventually.. I will look for her. Hugs to you Michelle and to Steve and Alex. All of you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
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Julianna will never be forgotten….I started following her story when I saw her name in the Peoples magazine…my sister, Julie Ann Snow was such a similar story that I was mesmerized with the similarities. It was fate that I was drawn to her blogs. I am a much happier person by her lessons of life, love and family. I will never see a princess theme without thinking of Julianna. Hugs to Michelle, Steve, and Alex….thank you for sharing her with all of us.
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We loved Julianna and will always miss her.What a joy to know her. Our prayers to you, Steve, Alex and the grandparents.
In Christ
Ken and Judy
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Michelle, my heart breaks for you and your beautiful family. I have followed your blog since last July and I’m so glad I got a glimpse into Julianna’s magical world. She is an angel among us, my love to you and your family.
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Prayers for you and your family. May God enfold you in his tender arms and give you strength and peace. May you find comfort in the faith that your precious Juliana enjoys eternal life, freedom, and love in Christ…and that she waits for you and the day you will be reunited forever.
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For all who love Julianna: https://www.crowdrise.com/juliannasnow
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Michelle, I just read your blog post about “Comfort and Tea” this morning, and I’d been following along with all the recent troubles with J’s feeding tube, as well. And then I saw this post just now. My heart aches for you and your family in ways I can’t even express. Yet, we all know Julianna is in Heaven now, and the blessings she’ll receive there will amaze and delight her in ways we can’t even comprehend. She’s happy. She’s pain-free. Breathing, laughing, dancing, singing, and playing. And she can enjoy an everlasting life full of all those things. She’ll be missed here, of course, but in faith, we’ll all see her again. And, she won’t forget you. Just like she promised, she’ll run to you when you arrive there, too. And that will fill you with a joy beyond all measure. In the meantime, take strength in her strength…when she was a part of your life. Remember her and all the wisdom she shared. You did absolutely EVERYTHING to fill her time on Earth with love. And she obviously returned it a thousand-fold. Celebrate her life. Praise God for the gift he gave you and everyone who knew some small measure of her through your words. I have no doubt he spoke to us through her wisdom. I know he spoke to me through your daughter’s life. And I’ll never forget that or her. May peace and grace be with you all.
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I think I can safely speak for the entire nursing staff at Doernbecher, that Julianna will never be forgotten. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Prayers for strength, comfort and peace.
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I’ve been reading about you on cnn.com and I just read about your daughter’s home going. What a precious soul! I look forward to meeting her in heaven one day. Maybe she is even meeting my five year old sis Melanie who died of cancer so many years ago? I grieve with you and lift you and yours up in prayer and trust Him to help you through. She will not be forgotten. God bless.
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Michelle,
Our hearts are so heavy to hear the news of Julianna’s passing. If there is anything we can do to support you, Steve and Alex during your time of grievance – anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We live in Camas and our son, Elijah attends WCMA. Strength, blessings, healing thoughts and prayers to you all. Julianna will never be forgotten. (((HUGS)))
The Sternthal Family 💞
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I am so saddened to hear about Julianna’s passing. I loved reading about what she had to say! I am so sorry for your loss and my heart aches for you and your family. U am praying for you all.
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Michelle, I will remember Julianna. Like many, I have been reading your blog since your story was shared on CNN. My husband and I have a young son with special needs, and while his are nowhere as severe as Julianna’s, I often get discouraged. Both your and Julianna’s words and attitude have been a great source of encouragement and a reminder to be grateful. I’ll be praying for Jesus’ love and presence to feel very near and real to you and your family in this time. Thank you so much for sharing Julianna’s beautiful, bright spirit with so many strangers. With love, Altair
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Michelle,
You have paid such a wonderful tribute to an exceptional little girl that made this world a brighter place. I know that I will never forget Julianna or what she’s taught me, through you. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
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Feeling your sorrow with you today. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Julianna will not be forgotten, just as my brother who passed from SMA 51 years ago is still remembered. With love, Ellyn
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I’m so sorry for your loss. You don’t know me but Julianna made me see life better and your blog really inspired me. God’s blessings on this difficult time hugs frI’m wyoming
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I can’t express my sadness for you and your family in words. I am happy that I was able to bring mermaid magic to Julianna from far away. I know she is free from all restraints and her little loving wise mer soul is swimming in delight unfettered among the stars. Hugs to you and your family.
Orchid
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Please know that we will continue praying for each of you. As you are ready, I hope you will continue your blog for at least a while longer–it may provide release for you and comfort for others who’ve lost children or loved ones. We keep up with you through the blog and through Tom/Nancy’s emails. Our senior adults keep you on our prayer list in Sunday School.
Comfort for all in this time, and thank you for sharing your journey to help others.
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While we will miss her here on earth, she is in heaven free from cmt she can talk and walk
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Heaven welcomes a precious home.
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To you. Michelle, and your entire family, I send my deepest condolences for the loss of sweet Miss Julianna. I thank you for sharing your precious daughter with all of us through your blog. Julianna was so very special and oh so wise way beyond her years. It is my wish that the love you all shared will bring you peace during this most difficult time. Rest assured Julianna will not be forgotten. Peace to you all.
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I am sorry for the loss you and your family are enduring and will endure until you meet again. I wish all adults had the faith that your sweet princess did when it comes to leaving this earth. It is the faith that is required by our precious Lord. It is the faith that puts us immediately into His loving arms. God Bless You and give you comfort in the coming days. We will not forget your brave princess.
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Thinking of you, dear Michelle, Steve & Alex. Julianna was so lucky to have you for her family. Sending prayers and hugs. Thank you for having the courage to share your family’s journey.
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She will live on in your hearts, as well as ours. I’m glad to know someone like Julianna existed, even if at a distance. She was, and is, a very special little girl.
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How blessed we have been by getting to know Julianna and what a gift she was. I, too, became a regular reader after your family’s light was cast. Thank you for sharing the short life she had with us and for giving us a reason to feel a greater sense of love. Her energy, wit, innocent and mature insights will live through each of those she touched. The words are not enough but her beauty fills every crevice of space. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with all who suffer her loss.
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I’m so sorry for your family’s tremendous loss and sadness.
Please know that the heart is a portal to the other side and that you can still connect with Julianna. After all, she is now one of your spirit guides. Although she is no longer with you in the physical, she is still with you. Learn to connect to her through your heart…no doubt she will continue to share her wisdom with you.
Julianna will never be forgotten by me.
With comfort, love and light,
Ritisha
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I just want to tell you and your family how sorry I am for the loss of your Little Princess while also thanking you for sharing her with the rest of the world. I am sure I speak for many people when I say that although we may have never met Julianna in person we all feel like we knew her and we are all deeply saddened and feel like we have all lost a special Princess that lived to brighten and teach the world. She was lucky to have such loving parents and family and now you and your family I know are lucky to have such a special angel looking over you. She was a remarkable little girl sadly taken way too soon but just know her energy, strength, devotion and teachings will live on forever. She touched my life and I am sure many others without even being able to meet her and she will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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I will always remember Julianna and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Praising God for the bright light Julianna is and was on this Earth. Her legacy will live on. I pray for God’s divine peace and the Holy Spirits comfort to envelop each of you during this next season. My heart goes out to you Michelle and to your entire family. There are no words just love and prayers.
Tracy
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My condolences to you and your family. Julianna will live forever in all of our hearts. What a strong, courageous, smart, funny, loving, adventurous, glamorous, beautiful, amazing, wonderful, incredibly smart beyond her little years, who inspired thousands if not millions of people around the world. For the short time of following Julianna’s story, she has made an impact on this world that most people only dream about doing. I am honored that you and your family let us in to get to know all of you. Her memory will never fade. Her smiles never forgotten. Her positive attitude will remind me where I need to be when I lose mine. May God guide you and carry you and your family through this most sad time.
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I just learned about your daughter tonight reading an article on CNN. I would like to extend our family’s sincere condolences on the loss of your sweet little girl. Remember the wonderful times you all had together and her lovely smile, her flowers for you – all the good things. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We won’t forget Julianna.
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Dear Michelle, I’m from a country half a world away and have been silently following your blog since your Heaven over Hospital story was published in CNN. My deepest condolence for your loss. Sending prayers your way, may you and your family be given a lot of strength during this difficult time. Princess Julianna is too special to be forgotten. Thank you for sharing her story.
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Oh Michelle, what a dear child! And what a dear mother! Thank you for sharing this wonderful life of Julianna with us so openly, she’s with us
forever now.
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Greetings Michelle and family,
Your precious and beautiful little girl left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father. Precious Julianna is now in eternity with her loving Heavenly Father. She’s free from all pain and sickness and disease. Praise the Lord Julianna is healed, she’s whole.
May the great God of Heaven provide an abundance of His amazing grace, unfailing love and mercy to your entire family. May the LORD’s strength, comfort, blessings, and peace envelop your family daily. In Lord Jesus Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
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I am so very sorry. Julianna was an amazing little girl. I am so shocked I have no words to express the deep sorrow I feel for you and your family. I am so very sorry for your heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Michelle, I am devastated and heartbroken. I will never forget Julianna, that would be impossible because Julianna touched my soul, I admired her spirit and tenacity, her positive attitude and her ability to find joy every single day and who could ever forget her inimitable imagination and wit. Julianna was beautiful little girl with a glorious smile and a mischievous glint in her eyes. I can’t help but think that she was an old soul because in many ways she was wise beyond her years. Because of you, Michelle, I had the privilege to know her. I can’t thank you enough for that. You say that Julianna is free and I know it is so and that provides some solace. I imagine her running around the playground, in a pink glittery princess dress, eating pretzels, while planning her next adventure. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, I wish my words could convey hugs. Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
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I haven’t read your blog for about 2 weeks now but today I felt different. This morning, I remembered Julianna and promised myself I am going to read your blog. I got busy at work but on my way home in the bus, I decided to read it and was shocked.
My heary is so saddened and I pray that your family will somehow feel relief amidst this great sadness. I have a 6 year old daughter so this has a great impact on me.
Have a wonderful time in heaven, sweet Julianna. Fly free in that happy, painless world you’re now in.
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So sorry you have lost such a beautiful soul here on earth. But she is now really a princess dancing around the King’s throne.
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Dearest Michelle, Steve, Alex, extended family & friends :
THANK YOU for sharing Julianna with us. I’ve been following your blog since cnn shared your story. I am stunned & so very sad for your loss. I pray that you feel God’s comfort during this difficult time. I look forward to meeting sweet Princess Julianna in heaven. You are in my prayers, I will forever remember Julianna.
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God be with you. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary daughter, and family. We have so much to learn from her, and all of you.
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Heartbroken for you. Praying.
From Redding, CA.
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So much love being sent your way…what a precious, amazing child! The world could use more of them. ❤
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Being a parent that has lost a son at birth, just remember that Julianna is now at peace and in a better place. Celebrate her life, cherish it even more. As we had to do with our daughter, tell your son / her brother that his sister is watching over the family. It helps with the healing process. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Hello, I sit here touched by your daughter’s life and death. While I am a complete stranger, I wanted you and your family to know that I am in awe of Julianna’s inner joy and wisdom. Furthermore, I can only strive to have the kind of faith that she demonstrated. Please know that you are in the prayers of many. I am truly sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Amy in WA state
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You and your family are truly some of the bravest people I have ever heard about. Thank you for sharing and may you find comfort in your memories and each other.
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I just read on CNN that your precious Julianna is free and gone to heaven. I am sending my deepest condolences. I will always remember her. I have 3 babies in heaven, and truly believe that she is playing with them now. God bless you always.
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Michelle and family,
I’ve followed your story since I first encountered the wonderful Julianna in the Heaven Over Hospital story on CNN. Since then, I’ve read every one of your posts. Julianna amazed me. She was so beautiful, smart, insightful, mature, dramatic, mischievous, strong, witty, princessy, funny, positive and so brave. So very, very brave. You all were. You had to be. I don’t know how you did it but you did. Not only did Julianna amaze me, but your whole family did. You have my deepest admiration.
As I lay here next to my 5 year old daughter in bed, I am crying. I didn’t know Julianna personally, I never met her and I didn’t know any of you, but she and your family touched me. You’ve truly shown me what strength is and I think that’s why I kept coming back again and again to read your posts. You, Julianna and your family gave me a sense of hope and showed me that no matter how hard life gets, there’s a way to see the bright side.
I would never have had that if you had not shared your story. Thank you Michelle. My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. Princess Julianna will never be forgotten.
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I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss, and how much I admire the bravery love and compassion you’ve shown the world through your struggles. I hope that you feel the love of the world tonight wrapping its arms around you and your precious girl.
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Tears flow for this beautiful precious girl that I never met but knew so well. As a mother who has a young angel in heaven too, I know too well how it is a pain that cannot compair to anything describable. Thank you for sharing your story, Julianna’s story, with the world. Thank you for showing that it’s ok to be so strong yet so helpless at the same time. Julianna will never be forgotten….. Fly high princess Julianna…may your soul take you where your body never could.
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Steve, Michelle, Alex, Tom, Nancy, and family. Your beautiful princess has been a blessing to many. Her childlike spirit will long continue to be an influence to those that knew her. She lived a full life in less than 6 years. More than many do in a 90 year life span. I am very sorry for your painful loss and thankful for J gain. May you find peace and comfort in her memories. Love, MaryJane
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Hello I just read your story on CNN.com and I cannot begin to imagine what your going through. But I will say your beautiful daughter is a true inspiration. My heart is simply breaking for you both. Having a 3 year old daughter myself this story hits really close to home. And from what I’ve read you raised wonderful faith believing child. Which my wife and I do with our daughter God is love, and his love shines through Julianna. God bless you both and know one day you will be reunited with your Angel.
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