The Story of Joshua~Detailed story of the Tubing Incident

Example of a 185 hsp Engine Bass Boat

The summer of Joshua's 12th year, he was invited to go tubing with a neighbor family. They had just bought a new boat, a 185 hsp Engine bass boat. They went out on the lake and were taking turns tubing.  When it was Joshua's turn, they took off at the top speed, 60 miles per hour.  The water hit him roughly but still this little man managed to hold on.  Then they began spinning the boat, which could turn on a dime.  The force of the speed combined with the velocity of the turn created a speed of 90 mph on the tube for young Joshua. He gripped the tube with all of his might, but finally could hold on no longer.  As he flew into the air, his body hit the water so hard and fast that the water did not break. He bounced off the surface of the water, once, twice, three times: all the while, inside, he was screaming for God to save him from the pain as his body was thrown against the water like it was concrete. Finally, the water broke, mercifully allowing him to slip beneath.  He was so battered that the family driving had to drag his broken body from the water.

The family had cared nothing of him, and using all the strength he had, he was forced to walk home. No one amongst the hundreds of 4th of July celebrators noticed this broken young man struggling to make his way home, struggling to breathe, suffering from injuries that no young body could handle.

As his yard and both homes were filled with campers, tents and all bedrooms were taken; he immediately went into his parents bed to lay down.  Several hours had passed before it was even noticed that he was not amongst all the family and friends.

As they were partying and having a good time, until around 4 am where finally his parents came in and reclaimed their bedroom. As his bedroom was taken up by relatives, he was forced to sleep on the floor, as people would come in and out of the home all hours of the day and night to use the rest room and to grab food. Where daily he would return to his parents bed.

No attention was given to him at all. Though at this time, praying, shedding a tear was not a possibility for it was not accepted. At this age, he was considered to be a grown man. And to suck it up.

And though knowing that this was not right, he had entrusted his family for knowing what was best. This, with many more tragedies has affected his health for years to come up until this very moment and continuing. One of the characteristics that he has stood by with conviction comes from incidences like this. To never ignore, to never take for granted, to always keep your word, to be trustworthy, to always speak the truth and back it up with your actions. Giving him an understanding of human nature, yet a confusion that still lies in his heart today.

 Just one of the many stories that has made him who he is. Always allowing and embracing the weight of the world on his shoulders.  Though he wants to live, fulfill his dreams and goals; he has understood that one of his purposes in life, no matter what he is going through is to be there for someone when no one else will. No matter what the cost. This is not just to tell you about his pain, his sufferings, but as you will see in the end result that no matter what you go through; there is a purpose bigger than yourself. The potential, the dreams and goals of others that have not been met, because of illness. Because of our own selves, because of others.  Our needs met and changed. Standing on one foundation. That foundation is love.