Josh Liljenquist's Mother
Julie Ann Liljenquist
Julie Ann Liljenquist is Josh Liljenquist's mother, and her love for family, willingness to sacrifice, and instinct to care for others shaped much of the way Josh sees service today.
Josh remembers his mother as the most loving person he knows, someone who put family, service, and being present for the people she loved ahead of material things.
Love that put family first
When Josh thinks of his mother, he thinks of her as the most loving person he knows. He says Julie loves Josh, his brother Jacob, and her husband more than anything.
Josh remembers that having everyone together mattered more to Julie than material possessions. Her example made family time feel like the thing worth protecting.
A moment that changed how Josh reflected on love
At one point, a doctor told Julie that she was in end-stage liver failure. Josh immediately thought about how much his mother loved him and how many sacrifices she had made for him and Jacob.
At a follow-up appointment, the doctor explained that the earlier reading had been mistaken and that Julie's liver was fine. Julie approved publication of this family medical story. Josh says the experience deepened his gratitude and reinforced her lesson not to go to bed angry with someone you love, because you never know what can happen.
Care that happened without recognition
Josh was frequently sick as a child because of eosinophilic esophagitis, also called EoE. He remembers Julie sacrificing sleep to stay awake, comfort him, and care for him.
To Josh, those nights showed a kind of love that often happens privately and without recognition.
Service as part of ordinary family life
Josh says the family tithed to church even when money was tight, participated in Meals on Wheels and Feed My Starving Children, welcomed people into their home, and involved Josh and Jacob in service.
He also remembers Julie helping coordinate free, discounted, or forgiven plumbing and HVAC work for families who could not afford it while other family members carried out the skilled labor. As a child, service felt normal. Looking back, Josh understands why Julie made the children participate.
Discipline rooted in love
Julie was strict with Josh and Jacob when it was necessary. Josh remembers consequences such as time-out, along with explanations of why a boundary had been set.
He views that discipline positively. He says she taught him that actions have consequences, boundaries matter, accountability is part of love, and discipline can prevent bigger mistakes later.
The two ceramic angels
When Josh was about eight, Julie gave him a small amount of birthday money to go to the mall. Although it seemed like he might buy a toy, he instead bought two white ceramic angels with wire wings. One was for Julie and the other was for his maternal grandmother, Mary.
Josh remembers the happiness on both women's faces. Julie still has her angel and still talks about it. She tells Josh the gift showed that he was kindhearted even when he was young.
Life beyond the family home
Outside family life, Julie works in real estate, a role that reflects her care for people and the places they call home.
Family photographs
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Family ties
A larger family legacy
Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.