Joshua

GROWING UP

Josh was always active in sports. At 3 he wanted to play soccer, so I volunteered at the Y and coached soccer. Then basketball, tee-ball and coach pitch. Up until the 6th grade he attended a Christian school. When he came to live with his stepmother and I he went into public school, where he still was involved in sports.

TEENAGE TRANSITION

During his senior year, uncertain of his future, Josh started making bad choices.

After highschool, most of his peers had family businesses to move into. Getting employment at the entry level, Seemed to isolate him further and more bad choices were made. Hard headed like me all advise and help didn't do much good. Making matters worse was the tragic loss of his first cousin in a job related accident and his favorite Aunt being diagnosed with brain cancer, Josh continued down the wrong path. His journey came to abrupt halt when he was incarcerated due to possession of Heroin. Ordered to complete a 28 day rehab treatment course, we were sure he was on his way to returning from his path of destruction. After his rehab we placed him in a halfway house where he relapsed within 72 hours. We revoked his bond and he was detained until, after many visits and conversations, he admitted he was ready to become the man we all knew was still inside him.

RECOVERY

He was placed in a 60 day program  in a faith based men's center. Thru social media we still get stories of how Joshua was always making everyone laugh and how he slowly entered into the men's bible study group. After his 60 day term was complete, he expressed his desire to stay. The drug court granted his wish and he remained there for a total 120 days. While there he was in constant group therapy, on community project groups as well as continuing in his bible study. 

At some point he accepted Jesus as his savior and began his personal relationship with Christ. 

Joshua had returned to us as a miracle. He lived with his mother three counties away and welcomed a fresh start. At his final court appearance he reported to the drug court of his accomplishments and his new life in Christ. His sentence, one year probation, go to college at night, and pay his mother and step dad rent. With a job, money in the bank, all seemed well. Four months later, for reason still not known, Joshua relapsed, and overdosed with fentanyl laced heroin. He was dead before his body hit the floor. And thus another life extinguished from the epidemic we face.