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