Thank you for free ice cream at braums, peace be with you and your family 🙏🏼

Dear Sweet Joshy, 

Your sweet smile always melted my heart. I enjoyed the times I got to see you and the last few Christmases we got to spend with you all.  I’m glad your mommy kept us updated on your journey. It felt like we were all in it together. You were definitely a very smart, strong, and courageous 3 year old. You made your mommy, daddy, and your siblings proud. 

RIP Lil Warrior

Love You Bunches, 

Tia Chachi 







Joshy,
I’m so honored that I got to meet you, sweet boy. I only wish we had taken a picture together. I remember thinking you had your own special little features and personality, but there was no denying you had your mama’s smile. 
I know you never got to meet Eric, Maddy, Jack or Bennett, but they always heard stories of your journey and your bravery. They knew your name and prayed for you often. 
I’m so proud of your parents, for everything they gave of themselves to make sure you always had the best care, and I’m happy to call them my friends. I’m also so proud of your siblings, and I know that you knew in this life and the next how much they cared for you. Gosh, you were and still are SO ADORED by everyone who had the privilege to meet you. 
Joshy, I’m confident in the promises of our faith, so I’ll say farewell for now. I know that we’ll reunite with you one day, and until then, thank you for all you have taught us and for all you have blessed by knowing your sweet soul. 
All my love,
Diana


We did have a chance to meet Joshy, but we never had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him.  Joshy was always in our hearts and prayers.  Valerie frequently sent out communication to family members with updates regarding Joshy.  Looking at his pictures and seeing  the big smiles on his face,  we knew that he had many moments of happiness with his family❤️

Joshua,

I remember the day your mommy told me she was expecting you and how crazy and exciting it was - my bestie would be a mommy of four, too! The day she told me that you were coming into this world with half a heart was so scary, but if God was going to give anyone a special baby, it would be your incredibly strong mommy. I haven’t known your daddy as long as I have known your mommy, but what I do know is that God made him for her and them for you. Watching you grow has been a true blessing. My daughters were so excited to see you, to hear about you and loved telling people about their strong friend. Your story has touched so many, has given people faith and taught them to pray. How many 3.5 year olds can say that?

We all love you and will miss you so very much. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your story. 

Love you,
Crystal

Here’s a picture Addy took at your ONEderful birthday party!

We had the pleasure of meeting Valerie, Jon, Sophia, Jonah, Jacob, Weilita, Welito, Ampaw and Memaw while we sat in the waiting room of the CHSU as our son, Charles, was having his OHS.  As Valerie, Jon & I lived in the hospital for the next month, we became friends.  We would always say hello to each other’s babies when we walked a loop in the unit.  Joshua was born one month after Charles and they had surgery within days of one another.  We used to laugh together and cry together.  It was incredible that our families mirrored one another (all our kids line up ages with each other).  Being discharged from the hospital was an amazing day but we couldn’t help but feel sad about  leaving the hospital knowing Joshy had to stay.  Valerie and I always text each other as we knew no one else completely understood what we had to go through for our youngest sons.  We each laughed when we discovered that some of our breast milk had been mixed and not discovered until we were both home. We were also planning for the future when our families could all get together and build an in-person bond.  I dreamed of the day when we could take photos of Joshy and Charles.  I hoped they would grow up to be best friends who were bonded at birth.  We are so sad and heartbroken that will not happen on this earth.  However, we know that they will reunite in Heaven.  Valerie, Jon, Sophia, Jonah, Jacob, Weilita, Weilita, Ampaw and Memaw-you are all part of our family forever.  We are all bonded and will continue to live and love with all we are because Joshy wanted that for all of us.  I feel like he stuck around longer to make sure we were all going to be okay when he left us to go to Heaven where he can run, breathe, jump, laugh and never be in pain again.  He is finally free and we all listened to him and let him know he didn’t have to worry about us anymore.  We will still bring our families together when it’s safe.  We love you all! Kate, Matt & Charles (and our Big 3) ❤️

A favorite memory of mine is when Naomi and I came to visit Christmas of 2019. It was the first time they met each other. Joshua was so nice to share his toys with Naomi and I love how the older kids were trying to get Joshua to show off everything he could do. It was such a fun night and we loved getting to see his amazing personality. Joshua touched so many people with his love and strength in his short time with us. He will be missed and forever in our hearts. Love you!!

I remember when my mom and I went to visit Joshua’s grandma Dalia. My oldest and dearest friend. That was the first time I got to meet baby Joshua. He had such a beautiful smile and bright eyes.
 His brothers and sister were so happy to tell us about him. They told us what he was like. What made him mad, what made him happy and what made him smile.
You could see all the love they had for him. 
I could feel and see all the joy he brought to everyone. He was and will always remain a beautiful blessing to his family and to all who loved and took such good care of him. We love you baby Joshua ❤️👶🏻❤️

Valerie and Jon,
God could not have picked better parents than y'all to care for Joshua. Watching you two care for and love him (and the other kids) has been amazing. I know you're hearts are aching, but take comfort that he is now playing in heaven and is no longer in pain. I love you both so much! 

Joshua was the sweetest little patient and even though he would get super annoyed when I’d come into his room and give me the worlds most serious side eye, I know deep, deep down, I was his favorite “least favorite” nurse! He always made me laugh with how exasperated he would get! He was born a fighter and man, he could fight! He was a miracle from the minute he entered this world and I’m honored to have been able to care for him! I love him and his sweet family so much! Those big brown eyes and beautiful smile will never be forgotten! They absolutely melted my heart! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!! ❤️❤️❤️

Dear Joshy, your departure  leaves  a great void in my heart and in my  life. I have so many wonderful memories of you that will stay with me forever. Like when you would make me read the Toy Story books over and over and over: Specially the Woody one because as the book mentions, YOU also hold a great big chunk of my heart❤️ You had the power to make me  do just about anything you wanted.  All you had to say was, “Wela do it” or “Again!”  Another wonderful memory  that always always brought me smiles was when we would  play sounds animals/things make. We would go through naming animals and you would make the sound that particular animal  makes: a pig, a horse, a cow, a sheep and the list goes on because you knew lots of sounds. But of course being half Mexican and hanging out with me, you knew that a gallo says, “kikiriki” and not “cock-a-doodle-do” as the rooster says. And when we came across the picture of a heart, you would place your little hand over your chest and say, “poon poon!”
I will  love and miss  you forever  my sweet Joshua.
Welita

We have many memories of our sweet Grandson, Joshua.

We remember the first couple of weeks of his life when we feared we were going to lose him before even getting to know him; and his last couple of days when we knew him so well, but were going to lose him. We never wanted to let him go.

We will never forget the vacation to Austin we got to take with Jon, Valerie, and the kids. Joshy was so happy that he was on a real road trip, sharing the fun experience with his big sister and brothers.

Our fondest memory is that big smile, with all those little teeth, when Memaw would sing "Wheels on the Bus", or "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands". That big smile also came out whenever Ampaw would do something silly. He would always look at his Daddy when Ampaw was being goofy. We were never sure if the was checking to make sure it was OK for him to think that was funny, or if he was thinking, Daddy, we need to laugh so we don't hurt Ampaw's feelings. Either way, those are some of the precious memories we will keep forever.

This is so hard to accept, but we find ourselves so thankful for the gift from God that was Joshua. Our little Grandson, with half a heart, worked so hard just to breathe every day, yet was still able to smile, laugh, play, learn, love, and accomplish so much in such a short lifetime. He made us think about what we could do better to live our own lives to the fullest, with our whole hearts.

Joshua, you will continue to be our inspiration, and you will always be in our hearts forever.


Dear Joshy,

I remember coming home with mommy from the doctors because you needed to get checked out. I’m not sure if you remember but momma had to walk around and drink some juice just because the doctor couldn’t see your heart. I remember coming home that day saying “ We have good news and bad news!” “We are having a new baby brother, but he has half a heart!”. Oh sweet Joshy, you're so incredible and I miss you so much. Don’t tell the boys but you were the least annoying out of the other two. Knowing that when you were a baby with all those machines, and that you passed only on pain medications and your vent it’s just so amazing. I just wish I got to read you goodnight moon one last time that night. I will never forget the day when you climbed up the stairs all by yourself  or when you took your first steps without your walker. You taught all of us how to love, and to be brave. I hope in the future I will be able to help out other kids who might be going through the same thing. The past 3 years 7 months and one day with you were so amazing, and you got so far and fought so hard. I want to thank my parents for helping me throughout this journey, for Jonah and Jacob for putting a smile on my face, to Wela for being so kind, Madison for being a big support and so helpful, for all of Joshys nurses and therapists who helped. I will always cherish my memories with you Joshy, your love is probably stronger than all of ours combined. You are such a strong little boy, and I miss you so much.

With lots of love,

Your Big Sister Sophia

Joshy clowning with Ampaw on his first day home. 

Joshy and his Daddy at Our Children’s House a few weeks before he finally got to come home. 

The first time we were able to hold 5-day old Joshy (two days before his first heart surgery). We were overwhelmed with love. 

Dear Joshie, 

I remember how much you loved swinging on your swing.  Every time we went outside that’s all you ever wanted to do, I enjoyed all your smiles and laughs. I loved seeing you truly happy.  

I miss you little man and all the little things we did together the most. I love you little man.




I have so many great memories of Joshua, I don’t even know where to begin. When I first met him he was still a baby. We began working on tummy time right away in the hopes of helping him get stronger so he could learn to belly crawl, well.....he hated it! So much so that he would cry and fuss in protest. He eventually won that battle by deciding for himself it would be easier for him to get around by scooting on his back!! We then started to work on rolling and he wasn’t a big fan of that either. But I could count on him to do at least five rolls if I sang, “5 Bears in the bed and the little one said, roll over, roll over”. He loved music, songs, and baby Einstein videos! Those were always our go to when he was working on a new skill or a challenging skill. It was our motivator that helped him to eventually tolerate tummy time, baby push ups, and eventually crawling on his hands and knees with a little help. I remember the first day he stood by himself without any support. I kind of tricked him by letting him hold onto an object that he thought I was also holding onto.... but when he least expected it, I let go. We were all in awe of him standing there and we got a bit excited. He on the other hand did not see anything to be excited about. He realized he had been tricked and he must have made a vow with  himself that he would NEVER be tricked that again. We tried and tried to get him to stand alone again using similar tactics but he would not have it. He would collapse to the floor first. I witnessed so many “firsts” with him, but I’d have to say that watching him take his first steps while holding onto makeshift walking poles was the best. He was stomping his feet like a dinosaur and before we knew it he was actually moving forward! He was a true warrior!! I’ll always remember his sweet kisses at the end of our session and his raspy voice saying, “I love you Amber”. Rest in Heaven Joshy 

There are so many stories I could share about Joshua and his sweet giggles and smiles. I will always remember how the ice machine made him smile without fail; how we used Mousy in therapy sessions to hold up his iPad; and how he anxiously anticipated the monkey puppets on Baby Einstein that made banana splits. Joshua and I got to form such a sweet bond over the three years I was blessed to know him. The favorite parts of my entire week were when we had to say goodbye at the end of our time together and he would say "Bye Paula", blow a kiss or two, and add in "love you!" There was no way to have a bad day after spending time with that sweet smile. I know Joshua didn't love every minute together as I did because when I saw him it meant there was lots of work involved. But no matter how hard the work was, he was willing to tackle it with a little bit of encouragement and the promise of a song. But not just any song! For at least 9 months we sang Itsy Bitsy Spider, Rain Rain Go Away, and BINGO at nearly every session. He would comment on the spider with a hat and the spider with a bow and the BIG spider! Then he knew just the right order for who wanted to play during the Rain Rain song. It was always Daddy, then mommy, then brother Jonah and Jay-Bug, sister Sophia, and Baby Joshy! He couldn't wait to show me the barn that was in the background for BINGO and giggled each time I would pat my head or rub my tummy with the song. There were plenty of days when he was not happy with the ways I pushed him to work just a little bit harder. But happy or not, he never lost his spunk, his determination, his bossy little finger, or his heart of a warrior. I can't wait for the next time we see each other in Heaven and can sit down to enjoy a meal together and sing once more about that Itsy Bitsy Spider. 
Love you Sweet Boy!
Miss Paula

Joshy was the strongest, silliest, and most lovable little boy I have ever known. He made me laugh all the time.  Especially during our morning stretch routine. When asked to stretch, Joshy would always reply,  “OK OK OK OK CANDI!” in that cute, raspy voice. And then he would quickly do it as fast as he could counting the reps out loud.  Because the sooner he finished, the sooner we could go play! I was so proud of him. These memories will live on forever in my heart. Joshy was fearfully and wonderfully made and touched many, many lives. God is with you, little heart warrior. 

I love you Joshy, 
Nurse Candi

Anita's Precious Memories of Joshua

To get Joshua and his Great Grandmother Ama to walk, I would say to Joshua, "lets get Ama to walk.'  Joshua would reply "okay".  Joshua would walk in front with his walker, I would walk in the middle and Ama would bring up the rear.  This was to prevent them from running into each other.  Ama would fall behind and Joshua would stop and say "Vamos, Vamos" which means let's go.  That's my Joshua.
Joshua is not here in the flesh, but his spirit will live forever in my heart.  
I Love You Joshy

Joshua was the strongest person I have ever known, and I only knew him through the beautiful posts Valerie gifted the world on social media. His passing has saddened so many, but his beautiful soul will always be captured and shared with the world. My heart is with Valerie and the whole family. 
With Love,
Robin

Before grandma Barbara went to Heaven, each Sunday we'd go and spend the morning with her and grandpa. I remember seeing grandma's eyes light up or her eyes dim whenever she had an update about "sweet Joshy." I didn't even need to read Jon or Valerie's updates because I knew grandma would know everything and was always so eager to share. Grandma always seemed in awe of Joshy and Jon and Valerie's strength and faith. I miss seeing her eyes when she spoke of you all but it has become one of my fondest memories. 
I am confident that Joshy is sitting in grandma's arms right now and they are creating some serious mischief in Heaven!! 

Josh,
You touched so many hearts; including ours. We  are connected not only by hospital, trach/vent life, and city, but we fight/fought similar battles; making us seem so not alone. You are so very special and we will pray for you and your family. Godspeed little man. 

OBITUARY

Joshua Andrew Faber

June 19, 2017 – January 20, 2021

Rolling Oaks Funeral Home

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