Josie’s Story: Seeing with the Heart
Featured in Faith Magazine, May 2026
“When you are open to life, it means you are open to having your heart walk outside of your own body,” Lani says. “It’s going to be shattered, and you know that, and not necessarily in the way you expect. God is asking us to minister to and walk with Josie on her way to heaven. That’s the greatest gift you can give your kid. As painful as it is that it’s coming so quickly, it’s the greatest gift.” – Lani Platte
This book holds a very special place in my heart. It was inspired by a real-life little girl named Josie—a child who has touched the lives of everyone who meets her.
In this story, Gracie Glory meets Josie at a Daddy-Daughter dance and quickly becomes her friend. As the evening unfolds, Gracie begins to wonder if Josie is truly having fun. Josie uses a wheelchair and can’t move the way the other girls can, and Gracie isn’t sure what that means for her experience.
With gentle guidance from her mom, Gracie learns something beautiful: Just because someone experiences the world differently doesn’t mean they aren’t filled with joy. Josie was having fun. And even more than that—she is full of love.
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at…the Lord looks at the heart.”
Josie’s story is paired with the life of Saint Margaret of Castello—a saint who shows us what it truly means to see with the heart.
Saint Margaret was born with multiple disabilities. Her parents, unable to accept her, kept her hidden away and eventually abandoned her after a pilgrimage when they did not receive the miracle they had hoped for.
Yet Margaret’s story did not end there. She went on to live a life of deep faith, love, and joy. She became a Dominican sister and is now honored as a saint. Her life reminds us that every person has incredible dignity, purpose, and beauty—no matter their abilities.
Meeting Josie
One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been visiting schools and sharing Josie’s story with children—and even more special, giving them the opportunity to meet her in person. Josie has a rare and terminal condition called Sandhoff disease. Despite this, her life radiates joy, love, and light in a way that leaves a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Her parents are incredibly faithful and inspiring, but like many families facing serious medical conditions, the financial burden of care is significant.
How you can help
This journey—meeting Josie, sharing her story, and watching children learn to see others with love—has been an incredible gift.
Josie reminds us all of something so important:
We are not defined by what we can or cannot do.
We are defined by how we love.
Jenna Epkey