“We’re still thinking of him everyday,” said Erika Castro, Jiryiah’s mother.
SAN ANTONIO — June 4 would have been Jiryiah Johnson’s second birthday.
Saturday evening, Jiryiah’s family were joined by friends and the community to remember him.
“We’re still thinking of him every day,” said Julian Johnson, Jiryiah’s Father.
It’s been nearly eight months since Jiryiah’s death and Jiryiah’s parents Julian Johnson and Erika Castro, are still learning to cope with his loss.
“It’s not gonna ever be the same without him, it’s been a challenge,” said Erika Castro, Jiryiah’s Mother.
On Oct. 7, 2024, 1-year-old Jiryiah died after being attacked by dogs at a babysitter’s home on the northeast side.
Saturday, Jiryiah’s parents held a balloon release in honor of his second birthday to remember him.
“I miss everything, but when I lay in bed, and I’m falling asleep, I used to excuse me. I used to put him to sleep on my chest, and lately I haven’t been sleeping well, cause I missed that,” said Johnson.
Jiryiah’s parents say since his death, everything has changed for them, but they have been able to take some comfort from the community.
“We realize we have to lean on others now. We realize that people are here for us, and believe in what we’re doing,” said Johnson.
Jiryiah’s parents said their son’s death made them think about helping the community.
Just recently, they created a charity called Jiriyah’s Wings.
In one of their first projects, they collected items and gave out more than 200 Easter Baskets to less fortunate children, and they plan to do more.
“I think that right now is the time for us to actually do something to honor his memory. And we kind of got a game plan to make the world a better place.”
Jiryiah’s parents have also been outspoken against dog attacks.
This legislative session they were working with legislators to push tougher penalties for dog attacks, but the bill stalled this session.
“With whatever’s going on with the bill, the hiccups that are in place, it hasn’t discouraged us. I think that something will change, something will happen,” said Johnson.