Good afternoon, everyone. It’s Monday, June 26th, 2023.

It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the year, a quarter of our way through this new century and most notably for me, it’s been four long years since Josiah left this earth.

I have been up since 6:00 am, exhausted from the weekend spent with loved ones–Brian’s kids and grandkids and old friends alike, peppered with stuffing envelopes and pulling things together for our trip next week to the Gorge. I can’t complain because I am still here blessed with a life worth living. If you had told me that I would ever be able to make that statement four years ago — even two or more years ago — I would have said “thank you” out loud followed by “good luck with that” under my breath.

I am fortunate to wake Monday through Friday to a hot cup of coffee being set on my nightstand by the man who showed up two years ago and fell in love with me despite the shape I was in. And now, even though I still carry all of the horror of what happened to Josiah, I can tell you, I have a good life.

Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the new news, some of which you may have seen if you follow me on social media:

Back in February after gentle encouragement from Brian, I reached out to an old friend who had known and loved Josiah since he was a small boy and asked for his help in getting a letter to Dead & Co to let them know of my plans to complete Josiah’s journey to the Gorge. He heartily agreed. So, I drafted the letter below and emailed it to him straightaway. He passed it on to Bob Weir’s manager and then, the silence began.

We waited. And waited. And waited to get word in return.

Then finally, last week an email arrived from someone on Bob’s team apologizing for the wait, acknowledging my loss and letting me know that they were releasing tickets to me for both nights at the Gorge. Brian and I are absolutely elated by the outpouring of support from both Dead & Co and the Deadhead community at large.

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I too was meant to be at the Gorge in 2019, but cancelled my plans of going just a week and a half before. Had I gone, I would have unknowingly driven past Josiah’s body on the side of the highway on my way home. Oh my god that makes me sick to say. I have not seen a Dead & Co show since, so our return to the Gorge is both the completion and reclamation of many things.

I have recognized this trip and the opportunities it affords as a gift from the Universe and see it as yet another tidal wave of love approaching to help sooth my grief. I am going to ride it with as much grace as I can while using its power to help spread the word about Josiah’s Story, our story, and Remember the Birds, the true crime memoir I am currently writing. So, I had 1000 business-size cards printed to hand out while at the Gorge. They will also be included with all of the orders for stickers (and shirts once they arrive!).

Look what else came in!

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And T-shirts! They’re coming too!

There are also t-shirts in the queue! I should have them just before we leave — in time to bring to the shows. If for some reason I sell them all, I will order more on my return. Here’s a shot of the proof from the printer. I have ordered them in Small – XXXL. They are being printed on high quality cotton (Hanes Beefy-Ts).

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And now, last but not least, I can’t say enough for listening-really listening to your heart’s calling, for following your passion, for saying YES to LIFE and NO to ALL that stands in the way. At the end of this week, I will be closing the chapter on the work I’ve been doing outside of my home for the last 21 months and opening the door to all that’s to come.

During May, I fell incredibly ill and while I was laid up in bed, I made the brave move to send in a letter of resignation from my job. It was a scary thing to do, but the relief I have felt since is astounding. My sense of inner peace tells me that I have made the right decision! Now, just to make it through this one last week while staying focused and grounded so that I can finish my time there with the same integrity I started with. All this while my nervous system is shouting, “RUN!”

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While in Yakima, Brian and I will be meeting with Joe Brusic, the Yakima County District Attorney, to further the discussion about charges being brought at the local level since Federal Prosecutors effectively threw Josiah under the bus by offering immunity for his murder in a plea agreement. You can read more about what happened with the Feds here.

I am planning a meetup in Yakima on Monday, July 10th right after the Gorge. It will be from 12:00 – 2:00 near the courthouse. I am just waiting on confirmation about the location. I will post about it as soon as it is confirmed and I hope some of you will be able to attend!

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If you are traveling to the Gorge and want to stop and pay your respects at the cross made and placed by members of the Yakama Tribe, here is a map and coordinates to find it. Josiah’s remains were found less than a mile from where the cross is located.

**PLEASE BE SAFE AND AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. DO NOT VENTURE OFF.**
THIS IS SACRED YAKAMA LAND. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL.**

Feel free to leave an offering at the cross and please also pick up any garbage left there. It takes a village to keep this place clean!!

Thank you so much for all of your ongoing support! If you want stickers before I leave, please put in your orders soon! Thanks a million…

Liz, Josiah’s mom

You can read the article written about the cross setting ceremony held on Mother’s Day weekend in 2021 from Tammy Ayer of the Yakima Herald, here.