I've never seen a more moving video in my life. Juliana, you have touched so many lives and will continue to. We love you and support you. You're brave and precious.

It changes only one thing for me...makes me love her even more for caring enough to share this with her fans.I myself can say I am not perfect and have done many things I wish I could go back and undo...many of us have had a few drinks and drove...not proud of it but have done it.I will continue to support her everyday when I read the blogs.I see such improvement in her speech and tremors she hopefully looks at these and realizes how much she has accomplished and should be proud of herself.Way to go team Julianna xoxo lenore from Foxboro MA

oops sorry one N not two~~~

Juliana,
This video is another step to your recovery. It takes courage to admit when your wrong. We all have sat behind the wheel after a few drinks, thinking "I'm fine to drive".
You are a very brave women and I wish you the best of everything. If you could get this message to all the high school students, they might realize that this could happen to them. "There but with the grace of God goes I"

Millions of people have made this same poor choice. How many deny it? Juliana you have again proven that you are strong, courageous, honest, and honorable. It's not the bad choices we make, but where those bad choices led. For you it has been a very painful road, but rather than feeling sorry for yourself you are using this for something bigger. You are changing from a broken little angel into a beautiful, honest testimony that can save hundreds. GOD has chosen you for something so special, I knew from the first moment I saw you on american Idol that there was more to all of this than a tragedy. You and Chris are SO much more. My love and encouragement follow you both even more strongly after this video.

Juliana, do you remember the day I told you that were the bravest woman I know? This is further proof of your ongoing courage. This moment makes me so honored and proud to have been a part of your recovery this past year. This day is your defining moment, Juliana, for you have had to look deep inside your bruised and battered body and soul to once again give your life meaning and purpose. And you have succeeded mightily. You are the only one who could have taken this brave step. Once more your courage proves to me and everyone else that life is a gift and a blessing. This third year of your recovery will be the best of all. I can't wait to see the next 12 months unfold. I love you Juliana, now and always, no matter what.

Juliana,
Yes. Many of us have one time or another drank and drove, but did not have to pay the consequences as you are. Your strength and bravery in bringing this to the public's attention shows how sorry you are for your past mistake. By doing so, you are making a bad thing into something good. I respect your honesty and hope for your further recovery, so that you may live a more normal life. You are blessed with a loving, caring family that will not give up on you, because you won't give up on yourself. You are an inspiration already to many, but I believe you will become even more so with your message to not drink and drive.
Stay strong and be proud of your accomplishments so far!

Like the majority of those following Juliana's journey, I was first introduced to your family through American Idol. Of course, I was moved by Chris' love for his fiancé, but more than anything, I felt a connection to Juliana. She and I are around the same age, and she reminds me of so many of the friends I surround myself with. All I could think of was, "that could have been me, or one of my friends". For days, I researched traumatic brain injuries and treatments, because I was desperate to know that she could recover. Finding out now that she was driving under intoxication only reinforces my first thought. That could have been me. That could have been one of my friends. I am certain that we ALL know somebody that has gotten into a car, thinking they were okay to drive. I am not excluded from this group. I am just so very sorry that she is one of the people that has to suffer the consequences of that decision. And you're right, there is no question about it - she WILL change the fate of somebody else.
I just wanted to say that, Juliana, I support you wholeheartedly and wish nothing but the best for you, every day - recent facts don't change that in the slightest. I am sorry that you have to face this recovery process, but I am glad that I can follow your progress. And progress you have - you look FANTASTIC! It is very apparent, from an outsider's perspective, how far you've come. I hope that is somewhat reassuring. You are lovely, and we've got your back. Unconditionally.

Who are we to judge you? You have paid the price for your mistake Juliana. There has never lived a perfect human beeing on this planet. We all make mistakes. My only wish is that you forgive yourself. I listened to your fiance sing at the VG Topp 20 concert in Bergen, Norway. We were almost 15.000 people screaming HI JULIANA. In our hearts we still scream, we continue to hope for your recovery, and we still wish you all the best. Maby one day, you can come visit the country that fell in love with your lovestory. Stay strong and be blessed.

Why was my comment deleted? Wow.

don't give up juliana everthing would be fine... just believe in ur self and always remember we pray for ur recovery... wat u have done is a lesson to learned to everybody bcoz we all commit mistakes...ur very brave....

"Are you coming along for the bumpy ride?"
YOU BETCHA...I'M IN!!! Thank you for your unwaivering humilty & honesty Janet! Thank you Juliana, for your humility, honesty, very brave admission and very important message for others. I have no doubt it will have an important impact! I'm a recovering alcoholic, 6+ years sober now and I can absolutely say, "But for the grace of God, there go I." We've all made mistakes and poor choices in our lives, I've made many...it doesn't make one a bad person undeserving of love & support...it makes them human. Juliana & all of Team Juli have my love, support & prayers no matter what...they are unconditional!

WOW! You are one brave soul Juliana, the support you have is absolutely amazing. We all live with our mistakes, yet you are paying the ultimate price. You pleading with everyone to not drink and drive is very compelling. I hope that everyone thinks of you before they decide to make that decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Thank you! We will continue to support you no matter what transpires. God Bless!

You are all amazing. I am moved by the strength, courage, and love. Thank you for sharing your story. I am in tears and at a loss for words. My prayers are with you, be strong and keep fighting.

You are saving lives by sharing this message! She's not a bad person, she had a serious lapse in judgement. Her courage and honesty should be an inspiration to all of us. How blessed you all are to have the love that you do!

Who is anyone to judge? That is not what we have been put on this earth for. There were many causes to this accident, not just one. And with or without alcohol involved, Juliana may have endured this same tragedy. There are far more important things to conentrate on, rather than play the what if or the blame game. I am a parent of 3 children, and while I pray they will always make the correct decisions, we all know how unlikely that is. But no matter what, I will love them and support them. Just as I will continue to love Juliana and support Juliana with prayer. We have all made mistakes, and we all have to live with them. Some of us suffer greater consequence then others. What Juliana has to go through for the rest of her life is a far worse punishment than anyone should ever have to endure. She is a beautiful and strong young woman and she has touched all of our lives. There is no doubt in my mind that she will save many lives by telling her story. I choose to believe that the people following Juliana's story are wonderful people with great hearts and I do not think that Juli is going to lose any of us! If anyone choses to turn their back now, they are the ones not worthy!! God Bless You Juli and I know that one day, you will walk down that isle and marry the man of your dreams! The LORD has blessed you and Chris with each other :). You continue to do your job and work hard on getting better, and we will continue to do our job and keep praying for you! We <3 U Juliana!!

I always get all choked up reading all these posts and watching these video segments! But I have to say that is the best video ever yet to be made!!! Thank you Patch for sharing. Thank you Ms. Janet and Chris for the input, as well as the siblings! Juli is very special and lucky to have your unconditional love and support. And it is true.. No one is perfect, We ALL make mistakes, and importance is we LEARN from them. It's also not about being or finding a perfect person, its finding people to love and accept an imperfect person PERFECTLY which is what exactly Chris, Ms. Janet and Juli's whole family have done, is doing, and will always be. Ongoing love and prayers for Juliana and Chris and the whole family.

Juli, you're a woman of hope, strength, honesty and beauty... You're beautiful in every way possible. WE LOVE YOU JULI!!! <3

You are one of the bravest people that I have ever heard of Juliana! For you to tell everyone what happened that night is just amazing. It is something that you and your family could have kept to yourselves, but the fact that you spoke about it so that you can help others is truly unique. There are not many people who would stand up and say "yes I did that". I hope that you are saving lives by sharing this... in fact I'm sure you are! God has big plans for you Juliana and I think everyone that is following your story can see that. I pray that you continue to get better and that you can forgive yourself for what happened. Keep making those strides forward every day! All my love and prayers are coming your way!

I'm still here with you during this bumpy ride, and praying for you every step of the way. Juliana, you are a strong, brave, and beautiful woman. Much love, hugs, and prayers for you!

Dear, Brave & Beautiful, Juliana;
I have never admired your strength more. I am so immeasurably moved by the beauty of your spirit & the sincerity of your heart. Not only do you touch my own heart, but you inspire myself & so many others in our daily lives. I am motivated, encouraged & propelled forward by your will, your determination & your immense commitment to reaching your goals. - I want you to know that I admire you from the depths of my soul for your courage, your honesty & your desire to use your own struggle to help make a difference in others' lives. I also want you to know that anyone who would pass judgement on you for your mistakes is not worthy of your concern,- for there are FAR more out there who have gained even further respect & admiration for you as a human being as a result of this daring & fearless move on your part. Simply put, Juliana, you are my heroine. You are an AMAZING young woman who has touched the hearts & lives of more people than you know. Thank you for that. - Be well & keep fighting. You are in my heart, always. -xoxoxxx

Although I live in Oak Forest, I did not learn of Julia's story until it was aired on American Idol. I have been following Julia's progress on Patch. Many people I have talked with often speculated that this was an alcohol related accident, however, the local reports never made any indication of this. And I often looked very carefully, for acknowledgment of this assumption in the interviews, articles, blogs, and even Janet's Book. I found it odd that no one asked in interviews, and no mention was made one way or the other. So I am not surprised by this at all, and actually am very glad that Julianna made the decision to let this detail be made public. It takes a lot of courage, but I think that it is a very important piece of the story that probably could've helped a lot more people, a lot sooner, and wish it had been revealed on American Idol. Still, I commend her courage to come forward with this and hope that her story will help people to think twice before driving after they've been drinking. All too often, we learn of terrible tragedies that are the result of driving while over the legal limit. I truly hope and pray that this will make the difference in the lives and decisions people make about driving when they have been drinking. I am seriously scared by the reality of how many people still do it, and still justify it and who do it every week! Grown people who should no better, but who keep tempting fate. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

continued from previous post - Juliana your courage to come forward with this truth, is a great thing and I truly believe you can help a lot of people who are ordinary people, just like you and me, who still continue to believe that they are the exception to the rule!! This is such a serious problem and if you visit any bar around here at closing you will find at least a 1/2 dozen people or more who have no business driving a car in their condition but will do so any way . . . tempting fate one more time. I have friends who do it, I have relatives to do it. It makes me crazy. I tell everyone, pick up the phone and get a ride, call me any time of the day or night, but whatever you do don't think you can drive after you've been drinking. Still they do it any way. If your story changes saves only 1 life, your courage is rewarded . . .but I have a feeling you will help many more than that by coming forward with the truth. And for the rest of you idiots out there who continue to do it ... stop making excuses . . . .this story or something worse could very easily be your reality !!

I have followed your story since I heard about it on AI. I have read every blog entry and look forward to them. We have all made mistakes and many of us have made the same mistake Juliana did but didn't pay that price. This story has touched me like no other story ever has. I would never judge you nor should anyone. You are so courageous and wonderful. Don't let anyone bring you down or make you feel guilty in any way. This blog does not change how I feel about you AT ALL! I'm 31 years old, I have made the same mistake before. I pray for you often and look forward to seeing your progress.

I to have made that mistake. I would NEVER judge you BEAUTIFUL girl! You are here for a reason and I pray that one of thoes reasons is for you to save my son who has an alcohol problem! I've got to find away to get him to see this video! Thank you Juli and family!

I'm still on board. God is not finished with you yet! Can't wait to see what He has in store for you!

Juli, Janet and Chris, Thank You for your honest and heart felt video. I cried all through it. I feel your pain Juli. There are so many people out there that get in there car and drink and drive, and they haven't suffered the consequences you have. I want to share this video with so many people I know that have done this. It was so brave of you to come forth with this video. It will save lives if people who need to see it do see it. You are a strong, beautiful girl and I have so much respect for how far you have come in two years. I watched the videos of when you were in a coma, and to see the progress you have made since then is so wonderful. You are making something good out of the bad thing that happened to you, and I can't help but think that your purpose in life is revealing itself. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. We love you even more than before! Much love Lisa S.

Juliana - This is proof what a beautiful, honest and courage person you are! Anyone that chooses to judge and not follow the "bumpy road" with you is not deserving of your kind and beautiful spirit. Those of us that have been following you will continue our prayers but please know that you have strengthened me in your progress, your words and now your commitment to help others. You truly are and AMAZING angel!
Love and prayers!
Terry

Juliana, you may not be functioning like you did before the accident but you are still the beautiful young lady you were then. You will get there. I have no doubt. I love your words of wisdom and the fact that you feel the need to get your message out there really touches my heart. A lot of people have driven after they have drank, I know that I did when I was young. I am not proud of that but I thank God that I never hurt anyone. Neither did you. The fact that you made the choice to get behind the wheel after drinking, does not define you. I do support your campaign to to bring your message to others. Your strength and passion inspires me. God bless you.

I am very sorry what happened to Juliana and only hope for the best recovery I have thought of her often and her family and think what a awful thing to go through. Now that Juliana and family has gotten so much help. Now its time to reach to those that have suffered for so long that never asked for help. I hope when we take we give back.

Juliana, you are so sweet. How could anyone be upset with you? I love that you said: "it's not as good as it was, or as good as it will be". This shows me the determination you have to reach your goal. As an outsider, when I look at your video and pictures, I feel as though I can see a bit of the old Juliana shine through. The fact that you want to help others in the middle of all this, shows us all what a kind, caring person you are. Yes, you have a lot of work ahead of you but, I have no doubt you can do this, and that you will walk down that aisle with Chris. There are still so many people who will continue to pray for you and your family, and support you, and I am lucky to be one of them. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us 'outsiders'.
xxxx from NH

I'm just so deeply impressed of her. She deserves all the support i can think of, and never should she take the blame. She has tought me a good lesson, and i'm sure she has done the same with plenty of other people. Juliana will for ever have a piece in my heart, and i wish her all the best in her life and a happerly marrige. I will keep thinking and praying for all of you. A big bunch of hugs and kisses. From - Julianne in Norway <3<3<3

I didn't hear Julianna's story on American Idol. Truthfully, I'm not sure I first saw her story, but it touched me from the beginning. It was Chris' love and devotion that first drew me. I can't even explain how it makes me feel. The only thing I can even put into words is that I know my husband is that kind of man who would stand beside no matter what even though it would be one of the hardest things he had ever done.
That being said, I, and my prayers, are here for the long haul. Borrowing from Chris' own words, What kind of person would I be if I left when she needed those prayers the most? She was drinking. The police never stated that as a cause for the accident. While I don't agree that "it's different because she didn't hurt anyone else" as Chris said (she could very well have and that needs to be kept in mind) I also know that she's young and everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. Everyone may not make this particular mistake but everyone has made thoughtless mistakes. She is paying for her mistake in so many ways. In ways that a judge couldn't not make her pay. So many drunk drivers go unpunished completely. How many times do we see a repeat offender with 6, 7, 8 offenses who got nothing more than a slap on the hand? Reguardless of whether or not Juliana's drinking was a factor she will still pay for this for the rest of her life. I don't take on causes lightly. I also do not drop them lightly. Julianna, prayers and love coming your way. Keep it up.

You are brave to release the toxicology results. I suspect it was the water that caused her accident, not the drinking, but I support anyone who owns up to a mistake and sincerely does not intend to make the same mistake again. We have ALL screwed up in a way that could have seriously affected others. When I was a teen, I allowed a drunk friend to drive me (also drunk) a long way home. I've had a few near misses on the road when I looked down at directions or bent down to retrieve something that fell. That's no less culpable a mistake- it's still choosing to be unaware while driving. Juliana is a good person with a good heart. I'm staying on board, with respect and appreciation for this brave disclosure. Onward.

Everyone makes mistakes. Some are saying they've never drank and drive and thus will not forgive Juliana. But mistakes expand beyond drinking and driving. Some mistakes are big and some are small. Luckily for Juliana, she did not hurt anyone but herself. I have never drank and drive, but I have made countless mistakes, some where someone could have been hurt or injured. Something as simple as forgetting to signal or look in my blind spot before switching lanes. What counts is remorse and trying to fix it, for we cannot predict what will happen with every action we make. No one is perfect and we will never know how big our actions, from the simplest daily activities to the biggest decisions, could have affected another until something actually happens. It's unfair to judge someone so harshly just because our own actions have not returned such a tragedy. Forgiving makes the world go round and it's how we all learn. She's not ashamed to admit what occurred and is using her situation to help others - can you imagine how much courage that must take? I know personally I would be embarrassed and would rather stay cooped up than go public with that kind of information and face the scrutiny and the "I told you so's." The ones people should be angry with are the ones who makes mistakes and continue to make them and really don't care about fixing it or themselves.

God can and God will heal those that are broken on the inside as well as on the outside...I will follow for as long as you will have. God bless you in journey! ((hugs))
Dana LaRue
Fairhope Al

hi my name is april i have a 2yr old son u really touched me and my hole house with ur music we love u and all together i have 12 ppl in my house my brother is going to court today so he dont lose his kids he loves them dearly and the mother is trying to take them away from him we hope she dont he dont get to see the kids cuz she never let my brother see thim at all i feel its wrong im sure u under stand wat im saying

i am a tramatic brain injury survivor from a car wreck 6 years ago.... i still am dealing with effects and i have arthritis now which keeps me in pain but i am still getting better year by year we are seeing improvements !!! the brain heals , slowly but its healing!! i would love to send you my video if you would like..! ~Heather

I dont know why but I cant see the video, I tried to see it a few days ago, and i cant. Can someone explain me why? I really waited this video. Juliana, all my love and prayers are with you!

Yeah, i already logged, thank you so much Lauren. Incredible video, i really loved it. Juliana, all my prayers are with you. You will go through this, you will get better,

Without a doubt, when compared to drunk driving videos shown in high schools and DUI classes, this video makes so much more of an impact. I am impressed beyond words at the courage displayed by all three of these incredible people. I'm sure most people, including me, would agree 100% with her mother when she says she's suffered enough, I just wish the law could take things like this into consideration. The fact is, she will still have to face these charges and attend numerous drunk driving prevention classes. With what she's gone through, and lost because of this probably unavoidable, accident, she could actually be TEACHING the class. I wish Juliana, Chris, Janet, and Don all the best, no one should be treated like a pariah because of one mistake, nor should they be defined by it. Juliana is extremely lucky to have such supportive, loving, and nonjudgmental people surrounding her.
God bless all of you,
Bonnie...

Maybe the same thing would have happened if she had been sober. And maybe it wouldn't.
I don't agree with her mother that she's been punished for everything she ever did wrong, for everything her mother has ever done wrong and for everything her boyfriend has ever done wrong.
I don't know that the law did to her in this case but whatever it was, THAT was her punishment.
All that she has suffered since the accident and all that she will suffer for the rest of her life is not 'punishment.' The poor girl's life may be a terrible struggle from now on and that's extremely sad and a terrible shame. But it is not a punishment.
It's a genuine tragedy, not just for her but for all those who love her.
She is making the most of her life now and I hope that she reaches many people with her message.
But drinking and driving is NOT something that we ALL have done.
It isn't just a 'lapse of judgement'. It's a lapse of judgement that wouldn't have taken place if the person had been sober.
Drunk drivers should lose their licenses.
Too harsh? Maybe it would be best to leave that decision to all those out there whose lives are or were ruined or snuffed out not because THEY were drinking and driving -- but because someone else was.'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Oh, it'll stop some of them!!! Some people actually care about having a valid driver's license. But that's just a good first step!!
As for the ones who flout that law, well, every time they get stopped, the punishment should be more severe than the last time.
Right now, as it stands, a DUI on a revoked, suspended, no license, or no insurance carries the possibility of a 1 to 3 year sentence.
Unfortunately, that's not the only option. They could, instead, get up to 30 months probation with either a mandatory 10 days in jail or 480 hours community service.
Perhaps facing some actual jail time -- enough so that it will cost them their job and who knows what all -- will either 'drive' them to get help for their problem -- or at least keep them off the streets for awhile.

Juliana! i m not very good in english if not i can say more! so i just want to say God bless you and don't forget you have a really good man! i'm malagasy and i'll tell all of mty friend to pray for you! don't forget dat we love you! keep smile! you are still beatifull!

Keep up the good work Juliana, you have come a long way. Don't give up. Don't blame your self for what happened, everything happens for a reason.

See how far Juliana has come ... She threw out the first pitch for the OF Park District Girls Softball season earlier this summer: http://oakforest.patch.com/articles/juliana-first-pitch

This is incredible...I think of Juliana periodically and I think she's one of the bravest people out there. When I first saw her back during Chris's audition for American Idol, I really felt something for her and Chris. She's been in my prayers and I know that she can make a difference, and I really hope things do get better as she already knows it will.

All have fallen short of the Glory of God! ALL!!!! My sister had been drinking and had a choice and chose the wrong one the night she died in the streets. I'll save all the sickening details, but she paid the price for drinking and making a bad decision. Would I love her less if she had survived? NO way!!!! I would love to have my sister back here today, I miss her so much!!! I'm sure that everyone (or most everyone) who supports Juliana and her family, have had a bit too much to drink and driven home. If everyone was honest, they would have to say, they have done just what Juliana did at least once in their life. Juliana is going to encourage everyone to not take that chance ever again. God bless you Juliana!

"If everyone was honest, they would have to say, they have done just what Juliana did at least once in their life."

That is not true.

Too many do. But the fact that you think it's true of everyone or most everyone minimizes how serious, dangerous, wrong it is, and makes no reference that any steps should be taken to try to reduce the number or people who drink and drive from making the choice to do so or have that choice made for them.

If drunk drivers had much more to lose, it would stop some of them from doing so.
Obviously, the solution is NOT to 'not drive' after drinking. Good judgment can fly out the window after alcohol has been consumed.
The choice should be to not drink in the first place, if you are going to be driving any kind of vehicle.

That in no way helps the great sense of loss that you feel or means that you should love her any less.
I can't even imagine the heartache you must feel and I in no way feel that your sister 'deserved' losing her life. I'm sorry that she did. I wish she had survived and totally recovered.

Her death has almost certainly forever changed the lives of all who loved (and still do love) her.

I am truly very sorry for your loss. I wish you still had your sister.

(((((Hugs)))))

Sheldon, how in the world would I EVER EVER minimize how serious and dangerous AND wrong it is? I believe my sister and Juliana have both lost plenty and to elude to the idea that these young women didn't pay a price for the choice is ridiculous!!!!

I'm very sorry for any hurt and anger I have caused you.

This is a small point, but the alert I just got in my Email inbox -- and that I came here to respond to -- is not the one that I now see above me here.

The Email alert I got says 'Sheldon, you should re-read my post. My sister died as a direct result of drinking and jumping on the hood of a car and being drug down the street under the car and then backed over again. I know how important it is to educate ALL about the horrifying consequences of drinking and driving. MY POINT was to state that even though she had made a wrong choice I love her just the same and I would not judge her or turn my back on her.'

Even now, that post is not here. I never saw it, outside of my Email inbox.
If it seems like I didn't read your post carefully, perhaps it's a Patch glitch.
Apparently, I'm not getting all the posts.

I'm sorry if I didn't take the right meaning from what you wrote.
And I'm sorry that the meaning you are taking from my post is that I don't think these young women paid a price. I can't see where I alluded to that at all but can assure you that It was certainly not what I was trying to say.

I think the price they paid is beyond measure and I'm sorrier than I can say that all the lives affected by these tragedies have to now live with this for the rest of their lives.

You have my deepest sympathies.

(((((Hugs))))