The Latest on Josh! Great Stuff Happening!
Last weekend we had the privilege of having one of our nation's heroes in our home. You may remember our social media post where we randomly ran into Adriana Maria Franky. Her brother, Captain Frank Franky had sent Josh an award he had received and asked Adriana to pass it along to Josh.
Well last weekend Navy SEAL Captain Frank Franky was in town, and even though he was only here for a short time (and the Army v. Navy Game was on TV) he asked to come and visit Josh. Frank has served in the Navy for 32 years. He has been a Navy SEAL for that entire time. He has trained several SEAL Teams including SEAL Team Six, and he is presently training cadets at the Navel Academy.
During our time with Frank and Adriana, Frank shared several stories and experiences always circling back to the Navy SEAL Ethos. We want to share with you some of what Frank shared with Josh from that Ethos:
"Common citizens with uncommon desire to succeed"
"Forged by adversity"
"I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day"
"I lead by example in all situations."
"I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight."
"I will not fail."
Having had a week to process our conversation, I have wondered, "What if our politicians lived by this?" "What if our students were taught this in school?" "What if marriages had this level of commitment?" Even though Josh was injured and unable to complete his SEAL training, I realize how thankful we are that this level of commitment to a way of life was ingrained in his DNA. It is no coincidence that Dr. McKisic who gave our family Hope on day 3 when he said, "There is always a chance..." was also familiar with this ethos having once served as the Neurosurgeon for the SEALs stationed at Virginia Beach. One thing Josh's therapist always share is that Josh never quits! Thank you Lord for all the ways you have prepared Josh for the mission before him now.
To read the Navy SEALs Ethos click here: https://www.nsw.navy.mil/NSW/SEAL-Ethos/
Great Updates:
We just returned from a six week stay at the VA's Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center in San Antonio. It was probably our best visit yet! Yes, Josh's legs were stronger. We knew that from his bike ride and his new efforts at walking. But we also heard that his vocal function was "considerably improved!" Yes, dad wept. He had 22 muscles in his arms tested (results still inclusive because Botox is still on board) we anticipate returning to repeat testing with surgery in February. This surgery is complicated but through some other miracles we know we have the right team on board to move forward. The goal is the return of function to whatever extent possible. The surgeon said, "I have never seen a patient with his level of injury with this much function and still improving 5 years post accident." Adjustments were also made to his chair helping him become more efficient with it's use. Please keep his continued progress in your prayers.
We celebrated Thanksgiving in San Antonio and were given something extra special to be thankful for, Josh became an uncle for the second time. Welcome to the world Fitzgerald "Fitz" Haynes Fohner!
We are still working on PARAMOUNT, the documentary of Josh's ride this summer. There are still some hurdles we need to get past but hopefully we will be past them soon. If you would like to donate to the project you can do so through our website www.AllinforJosh.org.
Plans for a KATY Trail Ride this summer are in the works. You are welcome to join us! No date has been set yet. We will wait to hear what the doctors say following Josh's surgery.
The Dodge Pro Master Van was ordered back in August. However, with supply chain issues it will not be delivered until late February or March. We still need to raise $7088.76. If interested you can go to www.AllinforJosh.org
Josh is now the newest member of the 2022 BASE Performance Adaptive Team. He gets lots of swag and will participate in events around the country.
Still looking for that special gift for that special friend? Look no further! Josh's limited edition private label Bourbon from Axe and the Oak Distillery is still available for a gift of $75. We now have bottles available in Arkansas, North Alabama, Central Tennessee, and the Denver area. To request a bottle email us at AllinforJosh@gmail.com.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
All In For Josh!
Mike