costly procedure was not as successful as they hoped and did not reduce Josh’ s seizures.
Yet the family found ways to be positive through that part of their journey as well.
“ So many people wanted to help us, it was amazing,” Robin says. Friends planned a fundraiser at the Naples Beach Hotel and established a Go- FundMe account called Battleship Joshua that still accepts donations toward Josh’ s medical expenses.
“ With the social network that I have, God will always put somebody in my
path to look me in the eyes and say‘ Hey, I miss you, how are you?’ It grew to be this magnificent experience because we do have so much support. There are so many people who are praying for Joshua.”
Despite the emotional and financial strains they face, the family enjoys typical experiences. Robin says the children are close, and the girls accept that Josh needs more attention. He attends Seagate Elementary School and has a modified curriculum, likes anything Disney, plays basketball and loves to watch football.
What Robin would like people to understand is not to judge others, such as when Josh is having a seizure, acting out or suffering from depression caused by his medications.“ If you look at him, you can’ t see the disease, so you don’ t understand the complications and what he goes through,” she says.“ It is hurtful if someone is looking at your child and just thinking he is not well behaved. Maybe instead you should stop and pray for them. I think that might be a better way to handle it. You never know what someone else is going through. We’ re here to love and help each other.” ♦
God could have chosen anyone in the world to be Joshua’ s parents, and He chose us.
Your faith helps you see those blessings.
Photo by All Children ' s Hospital Johns Hopkins
November 2016- March 2017 21