Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"His Journey's Just Begun"

Don't think of him as gone away--
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets--
this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost--
and he was loved so much.

--E. BRENNEMAN

Josh will always be remembered and loved.

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

February 28, 2005

I was adding to Josh's & My memory book, when I came upon this poem. It was given to me by one of our friends, shortly after Josh's passing.

"The Mansion of Heaven"

This world, however beautiful, was never meant to be
The place that we would call our home for all eternity.
And though we would not choose to leave,
A loving God knows best.
And in His time, He lifts us to a place of peace and rest.
For He has built a mansion where His children will abide.
Free from pain and sorrow, forever at His side.
He said He'd never leave us to face our trials alone.
And though sometimes we fail Him, He never fails His own.
And even when our choices are less than He would ask,
He knows when human courage is unequal to the task.
We cannot judge what happens,
Though tears and questions start--
We only see what's visible--God see's into the heart.
And though there may be many things
That we cannot explain,
We can be sure it breaks His heart
To see His children's pain.
In loving arms, He bears us to a quiet place apart
Where He mends the wounded spirit
And heals the broken heart.
And though these ones we love so much
Have left our present sight
And passed into a better world of majesty and light,
Someday we'll be together in our Father's home above,
Where we'll thank Him for His mercy
And praise Him for His love.

--Author Unknown

My dearest Josh,
When I read this poem again today, I thought about the extreme joy I will have when we are together again in Heaven with our Lord. The hope I have, in Christ, to see you again, is a tremendous peace. To think that you are praising our mighty God, as I type, this very moment, is an amazing thought. You have received your promised gift of eternal life with Christ. Though my heart is broken, there is happiness knowing you are abiding with Jesus, eternally at rest. I miss you and love you more than words could ever express.
~Your Kelly~

Kelly Gillain
Josh's Kelly

February 25, 2005

We continue to pray not only for the family but also for the entire St. John's County Sheriffs department, those precious "Gentlemen Dressed in Green". Thank you all for the support you have been to the Blyler Family during this past year. What a blessing you are.
We count it an honour that we have been chosen to be with all of you in Washington, D.C. and are looking forward to seeing everyone once again. There will be so many memorials in Josh's honour this coming year and fitly so. Josh was a "Mighty Warrior" not only in service for St. Johns county and his family but for the Lord, Jesus Christ.
ONLY ONE LIFE, SO SOON IT WILL PASS, ONLY WHAT IS DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST!
Josh lived up to that, may we all do the same. May God bless you all.
Larry and Martha Elmore

Larry and Martha Elmore
Haven of Rest Franklin, N.C.

February 20, 2005

Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." This is true for all of Josh's loved ones, and those who have lost a loved one. Jesus Christ is the God of all Comfort (2 Corinthians 3-6). Josh is with the LORD, and his memory will forever be in our hearts.

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

February 17, 2005

JOSH,
TODAY I AM SENDING OUT OUR WEDDING INVATIONS,TO BAD I CAN'T SEND ONE YOUR WAY.YOU WOULD'VE BEEN THE BEST MAN, YOU'LL STILL BE IN OUR HEARTS.
I TALKED TO YOUR MOM TODAY.SHE WAS SO EXCITED THAT THE GIRL YOU HAD JUST STARTED DATING BEFORE YOU DIED HAD SENT HER A VALENTINE GIFT!!! IT REALLY TOUCHED HER TO KNOW THAT THIS GIRL WHICH WE WERE GOING TO MEET ON MOTHERS- DAY,BUT YOU DIED BEFORE WE GOT THE CHANCE,STILL CARES EVEN AFTER YOUR PASSING, WHO KNEW THAT WE WOULD BE MEETING HER AT YOUR VEIWING. IT'S SOOO SAD TO KNOW THAT YOUR LIFE WITH THIS NEW RELATIONSHIP ONLY WENT FOR JUST A SHORT TIME BEFORE YOUR WERE TAKEN FROM THIS WORLD. YOU COULD'NT HAVE HAD JUST "ONE CHILD",IT HURTS YOUR BROTHER BECAUSE HE'LL NEVER GET TO BE CALLED UNCLE MITCHELL BY YOUR CHILDREN,BUT GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING,HE HAS HIS REASONS FOR EVERYTHING. ATLEAST YOU GOT TO BE CALLED "UNCLE JOSH" FOR 5 YEARS. TIFFANY SAYS HI,SHE LEFT YOU A BIG SCOOBY-DOO BALOON AND A BIG FLOWER BY THE YOUR GRAVE! SHE HAS'NT FORGOT ABOUT YOU,AND HOPEFULY SHE NEVER WILL. SHE LIKES PLAYING IN THE DIRT PILES AT YOUR MOM AND DADS,JUST LIKE YOU AND MITCHELL DID WHEN YA'LL WERE YOUNG. YOUR DAD,S GOING TO BRING OUT A LOAD OF SAND SO SHE CAN PLAY IN IT OVER THE SUMMER! HE TOOK HER RIDING ON THE TRACKTER SHE LOVES THAT TOO. WELL GOTTA GO.
LOVE YOU BUDDY........

APRIL HOLMAQN

February 17, 2005

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. LOVE NEVER FAILS;" This was Josh's & my chapter of love; for not only did it describe, perfectly, the love we had for each other, but it described the amazing love that Christ has for us.

Josh,
You taught me so much. You are the most honorable person that I know. You diplayed Christ-like character & wisdom beyond your years every day you lived on earth, & even in death. I was always so proud of you & all that you accomplished. You always stood strong & never let anything come between you & your goals. When I pinned your SJSO star on you, the day you were sworn in to the force (August 25, 2003), I stood amazed at you. You worked so hard every day to fulfill your dreams. I was honored beyond measure that you asked me to pin your star on you, saying to me, "I couldn't have done this without you". I WAS SO PROUD OF YOU! I learned so much from you, Josh; you taught me how to be a strong person & you taught me to always believe in our love, because it was always there no matter what happened in life. You were so excited to start your career in law enforcement--your dreams of being a COP had come true. Sometimes, I watch COPS on Saturday nights like we used to do, but it's not the same without you. I wish that you were with me on the couch, giving your hilarious commentary on each detail. "Reno 911" was ALWAYS fun to watch with you too--I miss those times.

I remind myself every day that May 2, 2004 was not "goodbye", but "See you later", like we always said about Bro. Bill. All of your loved ones love you & miss you. You continue to touch lives with your memory. I think about you every day.

All my love,
Kelly

Kelly
Josh's One & Only

February 15, 2005

CANDY~

I just noticed your post as i was reading back over Cole's page! thank you so much for replying to me! i really appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. please please share my prayers with josh's parents and the rest of his family. i am still close to cole's family, and while i don't know what it's like to lose a child or sibling, i know all too well the loss that any death brings. i have seen cole's family go through it. luckily his mom and i were able to help each other just a bit. i just cannot imagine being a mother. josh was far too young, just like cole, but i guess God only takes the best ones right? keep praying. josh is watching over you guys!

KEL~

i can't wait to hear from you! take care!

JOSH~

make friends with cole! he's an amazing guy! i'm sure you were too. it is so weird that you were the same age as cole was and you were taken only days after him. i'm sure you guys can share some stories! watch over your friends and family...they need to feel you are still alive every day in some way or another!

Jessi Garger
Cole Martin's fiancee

February 15, 2005

To Josh's family,

Josh's love is still with you and will always be with you. As long as your heart beats he will be with you. There's a lot of support and love for you out there. If you attend the parents retreat you'll be able to meet Scott's mom. I'm glad you'll be able to lend support to each other.

Kel,
Your love for Josh will last. I'm hoping to get all of us s/o's together at Yah Group site created. It's easy to find if you search the group and type the below.

It's a wonderful feeling to be able to share with other survivors out there. We know what you are dealing with.

Josh,
It's so wonderful to read the love for you posted by everyone here. You will never be forgotten.

Monica
OfficerDownSignificantOthers

February 15, 2005

DEAR JOSHUA, TODAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY. A DAY THAT REPRESENTS THE LOVE IN OUR HEARTS...A MOTHERS LOVE RUNS VERY DEEP.

I GO TO OUR PLACE EVERYDAY., HOPING THIS WILL BRING ME SOME COMFORT.
ALL I CAN DO IS BELIEVE IN GOD'S PROMISE & KNOW THAT SOMEDAY WE WILL BE UNITED IN HEAVEN. THIS IS STRAIGHT FROM MY HEART- A BROKEN ONE. I HOPE WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE I WILL BE A BETTER PERSON & BE ABLE TO HELP OTHER MOTHERS COPE WITH THEIR GRIEF.

JOSH, BECAUSE OF YOU WE HAVE MADE WONDERFUL FRIENDS IN ST JOHNS COUNTY. THEIR STRENGTH & SUPPORT IS HELPFUL IN DEALING WITH OUR LOSS..YOUR GIRLFRIEND FROM ST. AUG. BOUGHT ME A PRETTY HEART NECKLACE, IN YOUR MEMORY. SHE IS REALLY SWEET AND HAS COMPASSION ABOUT OUR GRIEF.
I LOVE JOSH & WE MISS YOU SO MUCH, MOM & DAD.

JEAN BLYLER
JOSHUA'S MOM

February 14, 2005

Happy Valentine's Day, Josh. I keep thinking about what we would've done together on this special day. You always had the sweetest plans for us. Thank you for all of the wonderful Valentine's Day memories you gave me. There have been some things that have happened today that were out of the ordinary & especially sweet---I know that they were little gifts from you, to let me know you're with me.

You have my heart, Josh. I miss you so much. I love you bunches--smooches!

Hugs & Kisses,
Kelly
XOXOX

Kelly
Josh's Girl

February 14, 2005

My sweet Josh,
I still cannot imagine tomorrow (or any other day, for that matter), Valentine's Day, without you. I remember our first Valentine's Day as boyfriend & girlfried. You made me a tape, singing the Andy Griggs song, "She's More" (your song for me), and left it in my car at school with specific instructions about the special evening you had planned for us. When I listened to the tape, at the exact time you instructed, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world---Josh's girl. The doorbell rang shortly after I listened to the tape, and when I opened it, there you were with balloons, flowers, and a teddy bear. I could only see your legs, because most of you was covered in gifts! You peeked your head around all the balloons and flowers to say, "Happy Valentine's Day, Baby"--you were gorgeous, as always. Of course, I cried tears of happiness--you were the man of my dreams; my true Prince Charming. At dinner that night, I remember gazing into your beautiful brown eyes, as you constantly made me blush by kissing my hand & telling me "you are so beautiful".

That Valentine's Day evening was just one of the many incredible memories that we made together. The card that you gave to me last Valentine's Day (3 months before you passed) is the most beautiful card I have ever received. Your thoughts that you wrote to me filled us with an eternal love that could never be broken, not even by death. I have that card in our Memory Book now. Even though you are not here to spend Valentine's Day with me in person, you will still be my Valentine, for you are always with me in my heart. I love you, Josh.

Always & forever,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

February 13, 2005

Hi Kel!

It's so exciting to check and see a new word of encouragement from you! Thanks for the piece of scripture...WOW! What incredible words to live by! I wanted to tell you that the GA COPS president has all of my contact information, so if you e-mail him, he will definitely put us in contact. As far as I know, Cole's department does not know how to get in touch with me. Until then, I hope to be able to meet you at Police Week this May. God bless! You and Josh's entire family of loved ones and friends are always in my prayers.

Jess

Jessi Garger
Cole's Baby Doll

February 10, 2005

Josh
I was looking at your reflection today and thought how neat that today you are still touching peoples lives.I wish that you could come back for just one day for Mitchell and your mom & dad just so they could talk to you and hold you one more time .They all miss you and so does the rest of your family.
I think alot of persons have realized what they lost by losing you and the terrible thing is that they will never get it back or justifie what they could have done differently no matter what they do.Say hey to mama ,granny& pa
for me and I know your walking around with the Lord with your superman shirt on.I miss you every day .
Love you, Aunt Candy

February 10, 2005

Blyler Family,

It has been over 9 months since the Lord took Josh home. I worked with Josh at SJSO and have since moved away. I still think about Josh everyday, and take my Guardian Angel with me everyday I go in service. I just wanted the family and friends to know you are still in my prayers and Josh will always be in my heart. When I met the Blyler family I understood where Josh got his loving, caring heart from. May the Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones.

Officer W F Schrader
lakeland PD
Florida

Officer W F Schrader II
Lakeland Police Dept Florida

February 9, 2005

Kelly,

Thank you for leaving your post on Scott's page.

I know Josh and Scott are watching over us. I hope to be able to contact you soon.

I know we cannot leave an address here, but we are not without resources. I think it's time to utilize COPS and contact chapter addresses to forward our addresses to each other. I believe MI-COPS will be glad to forward your address to me.

Stay strong in the love you have for Josh.

Josh's family,
I'm soooo sorry you had to join Scott's family and me in the pain you must feel from losing Josh. It's not easy. I wish you all the love and peace Josh would want for you.

Hugs,
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit

February 9, 2005

Kel~

I am not sure why we were not able to get connected with one another's information. =( i would really like to get in touch with you. i know another fiancee in Florida, so maybe she can get in touch with Josh's agency and have them provide a way to contact you. Until then, a friend led me to this verse from which i gained some tremendous inspiration, peace, and comfort. i hope it does the same for you, so i thought i would share: 2 Corinthians 1:3-12ish

God bless you, Kel. I know Cole and Josh are up there watching over us as we communicate. What a blessing it us for us to hopefully be able to someday share our experiences.

much love in Christ,
Jessi

Jessi Garger
Cole Martin's Fiancee

February 8, 2005

My dearest Josh,

There have been a few times recently that I have gone to your grave to talk to the Lord and reflect back on our times together. In those times, rays of the sun shined through the clouds on my face--it was as though the Lord opened heaven to let you look down upon me and smile; it was as though you were somehow with me again.

I watched another home video of us the other day. It was when we went on the Camping Trip in 2000. You were so cute on the video, doing your "stupid human tricks" with your ears. You had everyone laughing so hard, as always. We were incredibly happy together.

Everyone misses you and talks about you. All of our friends hold your memory close to their hearts. Jeff & Brenda have your picture on their mantle, next to Jessica's picture. They know that you are both resting with Jesus. Jeff said that he looks at your picture and Jessica's picture, at night before he goes to bed, and says that he'll see you both again in heaven. Life will never be the same without you, Josh.

I know you're waiting on me in heaven and I know that you are proud of me. I am thankful for every minute I had with you on earth. I love you, Josh.

Love,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's One & Only

February 8, 2005

Kelly~

you and josh have been on my mind all day today. i said a special prayer at church this morning for all of us girls who are now called "survivors." i can feel your love for josh is just as strong as mine is for cole. i got an email from the ODMP to send each other our e-mails, so I hope to hear from you soon so that we can talk more. God bless you, Kel!

Jessi Garger
Cole Martin's fiancee

February 7, 2005

Yesterday I saw a "Dukes of Hazard" t-shirt and I smiled so big. "Dukes of Hazard" was Josh's favorite movie--He LOVED cars. We used to watch it a lot. When I saw the shirt, I thought about how much Josh would love it and how "sweet" he thought it would be.

My preciuos Josh,
Sometimes it feels like you are all around me, everywhere I am--like you're still here, protecting me and sheltering me from the storms of life, as you always did. Emily Kline told me about the Rascal Flats, c.d.'s you bought just before you passed--I remember how much we loved that group. She told me about the conversation you had with her--how you listened to the c.d.'s all the time and that you loved the songs because they reminded you of me--your perfect angel (I loved hearing you call me that). When she told me that, I "melted". You were always so sweet to me. I have those c.d.'s now too, and I listen to them, and always think about you. I can imagine us together in your car again, singing "Every Day Love" and "I Love to Love You Out Loud" to each other, like we used to do. I miss you more than words could ever express. You are forever in my heart.

Always & forever,
Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's Special Someone

February 6, 2005

my heart goes out to you all. my boyfriend was shot and killed in jan 04. i understand how you feel. kelly thank you for leaving a reflection on nicks page. it means so much to me. we have a 2 year old son and i can't wait until he gets older to show him how much support everyone gives each other. i will be thinking of you. you can always contact me if you need anything. i will pray for you and joshua everyday. you are not alone.
take care

kirsten
p.o. nick sloans girlfriend

February 6, 2005

Kelly,

Thank you so much for your message. I really have had kind of a rough night, and it really brightened my spirits. I would love to talk to you sometime, but I'm not sure how to get in touch with you.

God bless, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of P.O. Cole Martin E.O.W. 4/25/03

February 5, 2005

February 2, 2005 marked 9 months since Josh went to be with our Lord. Some days it feels like it was just yesterday that Josh and I were eating dinner together, hanging out at his place, or that I was waking up to my daily morning phone call & hearing his voice on the other line--he always started every day by wishing me a wonderful day & telling me he loved me. Other days, it feels like an eternity since I saw him and it makes reality very painful. I miss him so much.

Ecclesiastes 3 says, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...". I have often questioned why Josh was taken to heaven so soon. But, when I read this verse, I understand that the Lord had a plan for Josh's life; and when that plan was completed, He took Josh home to be with Him. Josh touched so many lives and he was a true love to me--he loved me unconditionally, as I did him. I am so proud of Josh and the life he lived. He was an honorable man who was a true testimony for Jesus Christ. So, there is peace in the verse above--peace, knowing that God has plans for everyone, and that He has every situation under control, even though we don't understand it all.

Josh, as you always tole me, "I love you with all my heart", I say to you also that I love you with all of my heart. I will love you forever and I can't wait to see you again in heaven--I'll be giving you BIG HUGS! ~Love, Kelly

Kelly Gillain
Josh's Special Someone

February 4, 2005

i just wanted to send my condolences to officer blyler's family, friends, and love...
i pray that the Lord will give all of you the strength to carry on. i know how difficult such a task can be, but it is possible through Christ. Josh seems to have been an amazing guy...a true hero in all senses of the word. i hope that he has become friends with my fiancee, cole. cole was only 20 when he was tragically killed...just a month shy of his 21st. i just cannot fathom why these young men had to go so soon, but they are now our guardian angels. i will continue praying for all of you.

Jessi Garger
Fiancee of P.O. Cole Martin E.O.W. 4/25/03

February 3, 2005

I have had a lot of time to reflect back on all the memories I have of Josh...incredible memories that I will cherish forever. I can't even begin to describe how amazing Josh was. He was an inspiration to me and so many others. I miss him so much, as do so many others. I watched a home video of us the other day when we were 15 years old (1999). I was interviewing him about the "Go Tell" Youth Camp we were going to. Josh said on the video that he was praying that many young people would come to know Christ and be saved. Josh cared so much about people's salvation and prayed for people to be saved. One of the many things that I miss is the prayer time that Josh and I shared together--he was my devoted prayer partner. Hearing Josh talk to the Lord warmed my heart and watching him grow in Christ over the years was amazing. I remember when Bro. Andy Thomas told Josh that he prayed for Josh to have holy boldness--and I watched Josh attain holy boldness in Christ. It's a peace that truly passes all understanding, knowing that Josh is walking and talking with our Lord. I am comforted in the midst of all my heartache that Josh is with Christ.

The memories I have of all the time I had with Josh are precious beyond measure. The connection we shared and the love we shared with one another will always be in my heart. Being with Josh, being loved by Josh, and loving Josh made me happier than I could have ever imagined. Josh told me that our love would get us through anything, no matter what. I cling to those words as each day passes. I know that the love Josh has for me and all of the memories we shared will help me get through this tragedy--and Christ will give me the strength I need. I look forward to seeing Josh again one day, when I see him in heaven with our Lord.

Kelly Gillain
Josh's Special Someone

January 31, 2005

1st I would like to send my prayers, thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Joshua Blyler. My heart goes out to you and I can express the hurt you feel everyday. I lost my daughters father Deputy Adam Fleshner from Folkston, Ga Charlton County on Jan 13, 2003. Our daughter was only 5 months old when he lost his life. Its been 2 years now and we still miss and love him as much as we did when God took him from us. As I have learned I take it day by day and keep my head high. I saw where April Holman the sister in law of Joshua has left a reflection for Adam and the way she found out about him. The funny thing is that was my SUV and I work at Walmart. It just sent cold chills through me when I read her reflection. April if you would like I work in the Garden Center and my name is Angie please come back and say hello and introduce yourself would love to hug your neck and say hello. I will keep ya'll in my thoughts and prayers. As people tell me Joshua died doing what he loved and his legend will live on. He is in a better place now watching over us with God. We will all soon meet our loved ones again through the pearly gates. Take care and God bless!!!

Angie Marshall Mother of Adam Fleshners
E.O.W. 1-13-03

January 20, 2005