Joshua Jahn
The Power of Choice
Josh shares his moving and powerful message about drinking and driving to audiences across the country.
Partners
Always Remember, Never Forget
Mandy, Ryan and Kaitlyn Jahn
The power of choice.
Joshua Jahn’s life changed forever on November 6, 2008 when his wife and two small children were hit and killed by a drunk driver on their way home to him. Through the grief and heartache he has chosen to not let their deaths be in vain. Josh speaks to groups from all walks of life, creating an awareness to the power of choice and personal responsibility. If interested in having Josh share his moving and powerful message please contact us.
Some of Josh's audiences include:
| High School Students Prison Inmates Parent Groups Victim Advocate Organizations Youth Retreats |
Middle School Students DUI Offenders Church Groups Leadership Conferences Victim Impact Panels |
November 6th, 2008
"Ok, I'll see you in a little bit..."
That morning was no different than any other morning. The air was clear and crisp as I returned home from my overnight shift as a tow truck driver. When I got home my wife, Mandy was up getting our children, Ryan (3 ½) and Kaitlyn (11 months) dressed for the day. I headed off to my second job at a tractor dealership. I worked hard. I did it for them, my family.
The day went on and the first rainfall in weeks fell in the early afternoon. The hours ticked away until quitting time. I walked outside of work to head home and was greeted by one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen. The clouds had scattered and were powered with traces of gold and a misty blue gleaming through. I stopped for a moment, snapped a picture of the sunset on my cell phone and headed home to wait for my family to return from their days activities.
I had no way of knowing that cell phone picture would become one of my most cherished photographs. It was the last sunset my family would ever see.
Mandy called a few minutes after eight o’clock. She was on her way home from running errands and teaching a violin lesson. She had just picked up Ryan and Kaitlyn from her mother’s house and was driving home to me. She told me she would be home soon.
“Ok, I’ll see you in a little bit,” I told her and hung up the phone. It was the last time I would hear her voice.
Just a few minutes later, a drunk driver blew through a stop sign hitting our family car broadside at 68 mph, instantly killing Mandy, Ryan and Kaitlyn. The force of the collision ejected the kids out of their car seats and the car.
Then the noise stopped. There was nothing but quiet.
I was sitting there waiting for them to come home when I heard an accident report come in over my fire department radio. No it couldn’t be. I thought certainly that is not my family in that accident. I immediately called Mandy’s phone. There was no answer.
The things I experienced that night will be forever etched in my memory. As time has gone on I have realized that talking about my family allows who they were on this earth to continue to live on. The life they had, the love that they knew, and the way that their time here began, was spent and then how it ended, will forever have a profound affect on the people who knew and loved them. I have found hope in knowing that the lessons learned through their story go beyond age, time or distance.
I am honored and humbled now to tell their story and will continue to tell it to whoever is willing to take a moment to listen.
Mandy Nicole (July 15, 1981 – November 6, 2008)
Mandy loved to smile. Her smile would light up a room, making everyone feel comfortable and cared for. Mandy had a very gentle spirit and a loving heart. She would extend a listening ear or a hug to those around her when ever they needed her. She loved caring for people. As my wife, she was a delicate and beautiful woman. She would go out of her way to take care of our kids and families. She loved family vacations, trips to our favorite restaurants and celebrating holidays and birthdays in special ways. She had a way to always remember to write thank you notes and cards full of kind sentiments to those she loved. The way in which she valued those she loved allowed her to forge many life long friendships. Mandy was very sweet and kind. She is missed greatly.
Ryan Thomas (December 29, 2004 - November 6, 2008)
With all the curiosities of a little boy, Ryan ran his way through life. Ryan loved to play, run and laugh. He had a sparkle in his eye that would make me laugh, often right when I was attempting to be serious in response to some little mischief he had been up to. He was a very curious, yet cautious little boy. Ryan loved to play with his wooden toy trains and his matchbox cars. He was very bright. He loved to sing songs and go to Sunday school. He loved playing with his mommy and daddy. He adored his baby sister Kaitlyn and doted on her in a big brother protective sort of way. Ryan was my little buddy. I miss his laugh and his grin.
Kaitlyn Olivia (November 15, 2007 - November 6, 2008)
From the second she was born Kaitlyn's eyes melted my heart. They were eyes full of wonder and fascination. Kaitlyn loved to be held. She was so comfortable in the arms of her family. She was a quiet and gentle baby. She was so good, almost beyond what a baby should be. She would giggle and laugh. She slept through the night just weeks old. When I came home from work, she would scoot across the floor with a smile on her face, till I picked her up and she would rest her head on my shoulder, knowing she was safe. I never got to sing happy birthday to Kaitlyn, she was to return to the angels before that time. She was so sweet. I miss my little girl, my little Kaitlyn bug.
