On September 13, 2020, we got that call that everyone feared. It was the call to inform us that Justin, our nephew’s life here on earth, ended at the age of twenty-five. He would have started a new job on the 14th. Justin and Candice are like our own children. Charl chatted with Justin every week to share his joys and his burdens.

The cards that are handed out to us by life

We do not have a choice about the cards handed out to us by life. All we have control over is how we play our hand of cards. Justin received an impossible hand of cards and faced many challenges in his short life. He and Candice lost their father to Motor Neuron Disease in elementary school. However, he always tackled every life challenge with hope and new courage. His perseverance was inspiring.

Justin was a handsome and tall young man with a beautiful smile that he carried with him, despite life’s challenges. He always tried to make life better for others and was loving and protective of Candice. He spent most of his time in the gym, and his gym friends were like family. The Covid-19 lockdown deprived him of his time in the gym, which was his healthy escape and way of socialising.

We shared memories

We had a Zoom Remembrance session for Justin due to Covid restrictions. Family and friends worldwide had the opportunity to share memories. It was the first time the Goosen family was together in a very long time, and it was so good to see each other. It almost felt like we were all sitting comfortably in one big living room, talking about Justin. The honesty of some of the stories made us laugh through our tears.

Friends’ words

It was a privilege to meet the special friends in Justin’s life. They shared the most beautiful pictures, stories, and words. His girlfriend, Trish, read a moving letter about the impact of his life and love on her.

A childhood friend shared the following:

“I remember how Justin, Candice and I sat on the trampoline and ate sweet chilli chips. This afternoon I went to buy a pack of sweet chilli chips at our South African shop. I ate everything by myself. We spent so much time together as children. I cried like a baby when we moved to Australia! They were like my brother and sister xxx.”

Other childhood friends sent precious birthday party pictures along with the following message:

“Thank you for the lovely session today. It was very emotional but also assured us that Justin is in God’s hands. We ask for yourself and uncle Charl to please stay strong for the sake of Candice and God bless your family. In our language, we say, “ A robale ka Kagiso” which means “May he Rest In Peace” From the Mokgoadi Family.

It was remarkable how his friends since childhood were representative of all the different cultures in our country. It was great to know that everyone’s love for Justin is a common denominator, and it gave me incredible hope for a future in our beautiful country.

The last time we saw each other

Zander and I spent the last night before we flew to Switzerland sleeping in Justin’s apartment and had the privilege of meeting his beautiful girlfriend, Trish. Justin helped Zander and me to get to the airport. He was, therefore, the last person I greeted in South Africa before our flight. Little did I know this was the last time I would see him.

When confronted with death, it forces us to think again about life and how we use our precious time. The experience reminded me of our impact on the world and how others will remember us.

Regards

Emsia