Joshua's Joys

Leaning on his cousin Perry's boat at just 12 years old.  At this age, Joshua had started helping others trying to raise money for St. Jude's.  He walked for miles from home to home, knocking on doors asking for donations.  There were two ways to donate, one was a simple lump sum of money, and the other was to donate a certain amount of money for each mile ridden on his bike.  Every person that had donated to Joshua for St. Judes, donated the amount to the miles ridden.  Because the amount was so little from each person, for each mile, Joshua decided to ride his bike 51 miles.  While others who had gotten large amounts of money and would ride 7-8 miles and then sat for the rest of the day, Joshua pedaled his one gear bicycle, again, 51 miles, raising thousands of dollars for St. Jude's.  

Joshua's Joys Sidenotes

Through talking of his struggles and tragedies, which there is so much more, much of it would be considered horror and torture; there were also moments of joy and levity. One instance, as Joshua's fighting always for his health and for others, at the age of 13 at only 4'10" his two passions and dreams were to be a fighter pilot and a professional basketball player. He had scored 51 points in a game as such a little man setting a national record; and through a wonderful man (who at the time was his school counselor) had applied him for something called Who's Who among Student Athletes.  In all the schools through the nation from 7th grade through 12th grade and all the different classes from D to A, only 100 people were selected to fit in the category and receive this award; which at the time was reviewed by the President and his council.  Joshua was one of those hundred people. Yet, still struggling with adversity and always trying to improve himself and living his life to help others; the one thing he still speaks of is the wonderful man, Mr. Graves his counselor, who had treated him so well and felt so wonderful to have this man think of him in such a nice way and take the time to do this for him.  Seeing the potential , talent, and kind heartedness for Joshua and wanting the world to see.  But the experience that he holds in his heart is with his counselor Mr. Graves who had recently passed. There will be more to come about this anecdote as well as others .


A special thank you to Russell Graves; who took the time to make a difference in a young man's life and has done so much more for Joshua as well which will be added shortly. As will other people who have influenced him throughout his life, including many great people and friends through social media via Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Joshua's Joys

While Joshua's story is filled with tragedy, there have also been moments of great Joy.  During the next few weeks, while we post Joshua's story; we will also be posting short anecdotes about moments of joy in his life.  While the great tragedy makes his fight that much more inspirational, and his drive that much more motivational, Joshua believes that balance is key to life.  We shall provide you with the bits "Joshua's Joys." May it bring as much joy to your life as it has to him and to ours.

Speaking through your heart to make the world a little lighter.

I have started this blog for many reasons. There is much I have to say, yet more I would love to hear. I believe everyone has a story to tell. Good and Bad. We all have a voice and we all need to be heard. Here is your chance to share and care. With and for the people of this world. Whether it's funny, sad, happy, joyful, whether you're hurt, angry. If you're need is to share your dreams, to share your heart, simply to be heard. This is the place that you can call home. We are all ordinary; it is what we do that makes us extraordinary. Whether you are famous, rich, poor, lonely: through this we will all become a family. What we must learn is simple. Our words and our actions are only as good as the heart behind them. To lead we must follow. To follow we must lead. To realize that we know everything by understanding that we know nothing. And to realize that you are perfect by understanding that we will never reach perfection. Everyone has a story to tell. Here is your chance. We are here to learn and love through the grace of God.