Help Julie and Daniel Find Peace After Tragedy

On behalf of the Taylor family, we are graciously requesting donations for John "Big John" Taylor's funeral expenses, a memorial of their choosing, and a much-needed vacation getaway for Julie and Daniel as they navigate their grief and make plans for this new chapter in their lives.

For those who may not know, the Taylor's have weathered a series of unbelievable tragedies in just 6 months. We've written a summary below to inform those who may wish to contribute to the GoFundMe or extend other much needed expressions of love and support.

In early July 2024, Julie's beloved 3-year-old standard poodle, Pippin, went missing. Friends, family, and strangers mobilized to help look for him, sharing posts, flying overhead drones to scan the area near their home, and everything in between. It has been a period of intense mourning for their family, as Pippin has not yet been found, but we can only hope that he's been taken in by some family that will look after him and give him a happy life. Because they are still searching for Pippin, I'm linking his photos and information here so people can continue to keep an eye out for him.

Weeks later, on July 16, 2024, the Taylor's oldest son, John “J.T.” Taylor, died in his home at the age of 33. The entire community has been deeply grieving this loss, especially the Taylor's tight-knit church family at Calvary Baptist Church, where John served as the audiovisual/Media Ministry extraordinare for many years. J.T. filled the church, the Taylor's home, and thousands of lives with the magic of beautiful music. Suffice it to say this abrupt loss shook Big John, Julie, the Taylor's youngest son, Daniel, and their entire community to their very cores. I'm linking J.T.'s beautifully written obituary here.

At the end of October 2024, the Taylor's, and Julie, especially, suffered another painful loss. Chewie, their sweet family dog of 12 years, passed away. Chewie was the companion that sparked Julie's path to become a dog trainer and an emotional support animal expert. Chewie empowered Julie to found her ministry called Pet's with Purpose Therapy , and for 8-9 incredible years, Julie and Chewie visited 600+ people each month for regular emotional wellness visits. The ministry was designed to meet people where they are: in nursing facilities, out in the community in patients' homes, for bereavement therapy for all ages, and so much more. Chewie was absolutely essential in giving Julie's life new meaning, and helping thousands of people along the way. His was a life well lived and a light to those who needed it most.

On December 8th, 2024, John "Big John" Taylor suffered an abrupt heart attack and passed from this life to the next. He left behind the love of his life, Julie, and their son, Daniel, who are likely shell shocked from this incomprehensible loss. Big John was the foundation of their closely-knit family and the man who, if I had to guess, held them steady through these other painful trials. Their hearts are understandably broken and will mourn his absence for a long, long time. I'm linking his funeral and visitation arrangement details here.

Through all this, Julie and Daniel have experienced the unimaginable, and we're asking anyone who is able to contribute to help fund a wonderful retreat for the two of them. They deserve a chance to get away, take a deep breath, and rest.

The Taylor family is strong, both in their steadfast Christian faith, and in their willingness to be vulnerable and take help from those who love them. This is the true sign of strength.

They didn't ask for this GoFundMe to be created, but Julie did give me permission to do so. No amount is too small, and it's nothing more than a simple gesture of love. Money isn't what matters. What Julie and Daniel need is support in whatever way makes sense for you.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and your continued prayers for the Taylor family.