Content Manager posted on December 01, 2011 00:11
On September 12, 2001, Josh informed his parents that he was
joining the Marine Corps. He felt strongly that he had a responsibility
to his country. In July 2005, as a result of a roadside bomb, Josh had
shrapnel enter his brain while serving with the Marines in Iraq. When
his mother arrived at his bedside in Landsthul, Germany, she was told
by one of the doctors that Josh would probably not survive, and if he
did, he would never walk or talk. Throughout the following days,
months and years, both Josh and his mother worked hard to show
that doctor how very wrong he was.
Josh has had multiple surgeries, treatments and therapies all over
the country – both at military and civilian facilities. There have been
hours of pain and frustration for Josh, and nights of almost overwhelming
anxiety for his mother when all she could do was pray that
things would get better. Some treatments worked better than others
and progress has been slow, but there has been progress. In February
2009, Josh started working with a man who uses horses to help those
with limitations. By that summer, Josh was able to ride the horse for
brief periods and was more active and involved with life. Later that
same summer, Josh was able to move around in the swimming pool
and could master the coordination needed to snorkel in the pool. On
Dec. 24, 2009, Josh took his first unaided steps since his injury in 2005.
Josh continues to improve. He talks, he can sing almost anything,
he flirts with the girls who visit, and he remembers most of what has
happened to him, even when he was first injured. He works out daily
on exercise equipment, and continues to swim and ride. He is now
able to help with the chores of caring for a horse and can handle most
of his own personal grooming needs.
One of the Society’s Visiting Nurses started working with Josh and
his mother in 2007. She continues to follow the family, providing
resource information and emotional support, especially to Josh’s
mother. The nurse continues to visit them wherever they are living at
the time. She has made home visits to the family in California as well
as in Florida, and will stay in contact regardless of where they go in
the future.
Josh’s mother has said, “I realize Josh is not going to be as he once
was, but I look forward to waking up every day because so many
things are happening with him.” Josh has said, “I remember hearing
that doctor tell my mother that I wouldn’t make it. I’m a Marine;
NEVER tell a Marine he can’t do something!”