Julian Jones

I remember meeting Julian this past summer. It was 4 am, I was exhausted and frustrated, standing at a kiosk in BWI airport that wasn't finding my flight reservation for a 6 am flight to Belize. Julian tapped me on my shoulder and I turned to find a guy holding a small backpack. Together we got things figured out and I remember looking at his luggage and feeling like I had seriously overpacked. I was happy enough to be on my way, but he was thoughtful and posted instructions for checking in for the rest of the group. He was a sweetheart.

If you've ever been on a group trip with a bunch of strangers, you normally link up with 2-3 of them and kick it for the rest of the trip. Julian was a part of my Belize crew. His is one of the first faces I see when I think of my time there. Snorkeling and touring ancient ruins and all the coconut rum and ceviche. I think he might have loved De Tatch even more than me. I can remember how concerned he was, as one of the few guys in the group, that all us ladies got back to the hotel safely on the nights we went out. He wouldn't leave until we were all ready to go. And he was so excited to be engaged and clearly head over heels in love with his fiance. It gave the romantic optimist in me hope.

Memories.

He was killed over the weekend, beaten to death in an unprovoked attack outside a club in Toronto. The news broke my heart and I can't stop crying over it. It really makes life feel fragile and fleeting. He deserves justice.

Rest in Peace, Julian.