Today is the anniversary of Justin's funeral and so I'm thinking of you and yours.  I imagine that missing him is non-stop.  Although I did not meet Justin I feel like I know him.
Death is one of the great mysteries of life, a very difficult teacher of deep and rich wisdom.
My love to you
Mary Millerd

Jim and Pegge,
I'll never forget the quiet kid who'd be waiting around at youth group for Jim to pick him up.  We love you guys very much, and wish we could have come.  We'll be home in May for Jeff's graduation, and we'll see you then.

The Dragonfly Story
Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.
""Look!"" said one of the water bugs to another. ""one of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?"" Up, up, up it slowly went....Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. Its friends waited and waited but it didn't return...
""That's funny!"" said one water bug to another. ""Wasn't she happy here?"" asked a second... ""Where do you suppose she went?"" wondered a third.
No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled. Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together. ""I have an idea"". ""The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why.""
""We promise"", they said solemnly.
One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up, he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broke through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad, green lily pad above.
When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings...The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. He had become a dragonfly!!
Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere. By and by the new dragonfly lighted happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before.
The dragonfly remembered the promise: ""the next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why."" Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...
""I can't return!"" he said in dismay. ""At least, I tried. But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went.""
And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air.......
Thank you God, for the story of the water bugs and the dragonflies.
Please remember Justin who left the pond we live in...and remember me
Justin and my dragonfly,Tyler.... will continue to live in spirit   always and forever

Thinking of you, Pegge and Jim - - a letter is on the way.  Bless your hearts; be well.

Jim, Pegge ... my heart goes out to you in this most difficult time.  I remember how absolutely excited you were when Justin came into your lives and your Christmas messages were filled with the many happy times you had together.  Reflect on those happy moments and they will help you today, tomorrow and in the weeks and months to come.  Life is way to short so we must use this sad time to remind us to hold close those we love.  My thoughts are with you both. Take care ... Love,

This is to assure the family of Pegge that Region 67 of Spiritual Directors' International is one with you at this time of bereavement.
We shall be with you across the miles, but close in prayer with you.
With our love and deep sympathies.
Sr M Elizabeth Lim, rgs

Jim & Pegge:
Our heart goes out to you and your family.  As parents and friends, we grieve with you.  
Ken & Nancy

Jim & Peggy - Our deepest sympathy to you for your loss.

justin was the best friend and i will miss his laughter he brought. I went to school with him for two years, but it was one of the best years i've had. He insipered us all to great things and to go for it all. I'll be keeping your family in my prayers and toughts.
alan riede

Dear Pegge - I'm not even sure you're familiar with our names, but we're parishoners at John 23rd and have seen you around for some time.  We're so sorry to hear about Justin.  A few years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with him in the lounge at J23...he told some jokes, even did a handstand as I recall, and made me laugh.  Please know that our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Nori & Joe Comello

I remember the many times that Justin and I would skirmish in the halls of John XXIII when he was just a youngster, even before the adoption was complete.  It was an absolute joy to watch him grow ino the young man he was becoming.
My thoughts and prayers are with you always, especially when times are troubled like this.
Justin will be deeply missed.

Dear Jim And Pegge,
Please accept my deepest condolences.  Justin always had a smile and a wave for me as I drove out of the cul-de-sac on Lockview Court.  I don't understand but know that his spirit lives on.  Have peace and strengh through this.  If there is anything Priscilla and I can do for you, please call on us.
With love and sincere condolences, your neighbor, Jim Siano

I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how hard it must be. I can only pray that God can ease some of your pain and help you get through this difficult time. 
God bless

Pegge, I have few words. I am sorry. I feel shock and dismay which I imagine to be infinitesimal to where you must be. I have prayed to God for guidance and help for you, your family and all of us wanting to offer our support.

Dear Pegge and the Bernecker family - know that many people unknown to you are holding you in their hearts at this moment. Let our love and prayers surround you in this time of loss and grief. May God's mercy spill over in seen and unseen ways.  May Justin find the peace of unending light we believe is his in Christ.  SDI Region 41

Pegge and Jim,
 My prayers and thoughts are with you at this hard time.  Justin is shining his light for the whole world. May God bless over him and both of you and give you peace

Ddear Jim & Pegge, 
I just read Justin's beautiful poem about who he is.  What a creative young man he was.  We will always remember his  contagious smile and why he was loved by so many.  Our prayers are with you and we'll stay in touch.  With mucy love, Joe, Marianne, Kevin and Sarah

Justin always had a smile on his face. He never turned away if you needed help. We love you justin and will never forget you!

Jim and Pegge~ So sorry to hear of your tragic loss from my dad last night. We've definitely got you in our hearts and prayers...my deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. Wish I could be there to give you a long overdue hug. God Bless you~ Luke Schneider

Pegge -
I feel I know you from editing and proofreading your book. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Carole Dahlquist

Pegge and Jim,
I am terribly sorry for your loss.  I remember Justin always having a great smile on his face.   Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything that I can do, please let me know. 
Wishing you and your family the best,
Michael and Tara Peel

OBITUARY

Justin Bernecker

September 27, 1989 – January 24, 2006

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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