Julian Eli Mendelson entered our world on January 5th, 2022, a few weeks early, ready to start life as soon as possible. On day one, we were captivated by his beauty including his striking blue eyes. Soon so many others in our lives became magnetized to this joyful, vivacious little boy.

He loved singing, books, running around in crocs, school buses, chasing bunnies, the color red, the moon, hills, and eating popsicles. He was enamored by his cousins and little brother Leo, who he was an adoring big brother to for only 8 months. His daycare teachers noted Julian as the happiest boy in class and a ray of sunshine to all who knew him.

Julian was a very determined, independent, and free-spirited boy. He knew how to put on his shoes before he turned two, drove his CoComelon school bus all around the yard, and always had a strong preference for what pajamas to wear at night. We admired his strength and fearlessness, and knew he would soon become a leader in whatever he set his mind to.

On July 7th, 2024, we were packing up the car to leave a family vacation rental in Long Island that had a swimming pool in the backyard. At the onset of the trip, this pool gave us hesitation and we almost did not go on this family trip with two small children under 3. Regretfully, we told ourselves we would be extra vigilant in supervising our children instead.

That last morning, we were busy trying to do many things at once to get our family ready for the trip back. We thought Julian followed us indoors to get a few final things, but he had wandered off to the pool we believe to wash his hands. It took us a couple minutes to realize he was not inside. By the time we found Julian in the swimming pool, it was too late. Julian died 3 days later in the hospital on July 10, 2024. Our worst nightmare became true, something we never thought would happen to us. Our lives will never be whole or the same without our precious son JuJu, the one that made us a family.

We urge EVERYONE to educate and spread awareness about water safety. We know that Julian’s story has already made life a little safer for our family and friends.

We also hope his legacy will live on through the beautiful memories we have of him, and the Joy for Julian Foundation we have built to bless the world with more joy, happiness, and health in Julian’s honor. Please consider donating today to help further our cause.