Not Just a Case of Meningitis: Justin is a Person with Heart and Soul

In recent days we have about , but the real story is about a wonderful young man with plans for the future who is truly loved by his family, his friends, and his fellow classmates.  The Rosemont community is blessed to have this young man around!

His name is Justin Lacy Foster, born February 10, 1994.  He has a smile that lights up the room, the energy and pace of a cheetah, and a laugh that makes you laugh right along with him. He is a going, going guy!  Sometimes so silly you just crack up at the sight of his silly faces and practical jokes.

Justin has so many sides to him; he is an athlete. He has played many sports: soccer, little league baseball, baseball at RHS, track at RHS, on the wrestling team at RHS and he also played on the RHS Football team.  He is a team player.

Justin wants to attend college; he wants to be and is looking forward to becoming a pediatric nurse. So much so that he has volunteered his time at Shriners Children’s Hospital.  He has also volunteered at Loaves and Fishes. 

His Mother Cathy said, “He is a gentle soul, he loves people and kids.” 

I personally cannot think of a better profession.

Justin is a wonderful son to Cathy and an awesome big brother to Dylan.  He works, he plays, he makes everyone around him laugh with joy and let’s be honest–he can also drive us crazy!

Cathy’s boyfriend Robby said, “He is a good and hard working young man and he knows what he wants to do with his life and he is silly sometimes.”

A call was put out to several of Justin’s closest friends and here is what they wrote:

“Justin Foster, a person who can be friends with anyone he wants to, he smiles with not only his mouth, but his eyes. He brightens the darkest of rooms with his personality. Justin is determined to gain knowledge and can also be a rebel. Just hearing his name makes an image of a man who is happy and head strong in whatever situation he finds himself in.  He is the one person who can make hundreds of people stop and pray for his well being.  Justin is a dear friend who I, Ricardo D. Nispiros will respect and hold our friendship for the rest of my life. He is a person that everyone can learn from…I love you Justin Foster.” - Ricardo D. Nispiros

“The past few days I have found myself holding back tears in some parts of the days, but then I think of Justin saying something so stupid, yet hilarious. Words cannot even describe how much I miss the particular laugh Justin brings. I miss the long talks with a side of Hoa Viet. I miss the quesadillas and spaghetti you cooked. The Justin I know and love is going to be back in a matter of weeks, smiling and happier than ever. I just can't wait to be there catching up.”  - Mia

“Justin and I have been hanging out since we were in elementary school. My most vivid memory is when I was younger with Justin and his family, I lost my five dollar bill in a tree. I was so upset and scared to tell my parents I lost five dollars. Justin called out Cathy who resolved the problem by giving me five dollars to bring home. This story always makes me smile even to this day. Justin is the type of person that will always be there to help a friend in need. I really miss him and I can't wait for him to come home so I can see his big smile and that goofy lizard face.” - Joey Nicolino

“My favorite memory of Justin has to be the first time we had a real conversation about ourselves. I had just gotten to know him last winter through Joey and Parrish. One day at lunch, everyone from our hangout group was gone for whatever the reason–baseball, student government, or the usual high school things. So it was just Justin and I. I didn't really talk to him before that so I wasn't sure how having lunch between the two of us would go. I took a chance and asked him a pretty personal question that I won't disclose out of respect for him. He answered it honestly and comfortably. He said everything he needed to say and he didn't keep anything from me, a person who was practically a stranger to him. Because of that I felt comfortable enough to tell him personal things about me. At that time, that was a big accomplishment for me because I had a hard time trusting people. It was just really easy to talk to him and I felt accepted by him. I felt like I didn't have to hide. That's when I knew Justin would be become a good friend of mine.” - Leah Beza

“Justin, where do I begin?  He is a loving, goofy, caring, silly, dorky little spaz and my life would not be the same without him.  We met in middle school when we found out that our moms worked together and since then, we have become as close as brothers, in my heart.  I honestly can’t say I can pick one story, one memory, because when I think of him a flood of them arrive.  It can be of him calling me with news or looking for advice.  Could be him calling and telling me a story, just wanting to talk or come by and hang out. The most recent occurrence was last Thursday when he called me to ask how to read his FAFSA because he couldn’t figure it out and wanted to make sure he was going to get all the help he could to attend college.  Justin being away right now, being sick, makes life miserable.  Justin you need to get well, come home, I miss and love you brother, can’t wait to see you!” – Daniel Thompson

In closing, this writer herself wants to tell you, that I long for the day he walks in my front door with his beaming smile.  A hug and an excuse about being really busy these days! Him sitting down to dinner eating my tacos and saying something like, "Mmm Mmm, these tacos are tasty!" Grinning from ear to ear, telling me I can cook.  I can also remember a time when Cathy called me to check on Justin (who was in a wee bit of trouble) and we went on a texting barrage to the three amigos, Daniel, Diego and Justin.  We bugged them for hours! It was PRICELESS!

I look forward to the future for these young men and women starting their lives, who have all pulled together and delivered love to Justin and his family.  To graduation day, college years, and careers I have heard them talk about! 

You see, he isn’t just a case or a headline about an illness, he is Justin Foster, a remarkable young man! 

Note: This article has been written with permission Cathy Parr, Justin Foster's mother.