Celebrity at School

As the story broke in the newspaper Tuesday, Josh awoke that morning hearing his story was out in print. We stopped at the store on the way to school, picked up several copies and began reading the headline article. I asked Josh what he thought of the story. He returned a big smile on his face and said “YES, very cool”.

At the end of the day I asked the big question: How was your day at school? “It was awesome!” Josh described his first period as being pretty exciting. As Josh walked into class, his teacher announced him as Superstar. The other students were busy reading the article about their classmate. Many of them didn’t know the severity of his injury until reading the paper. Some didn’t realize he had a stroke at all.

As the day went on and the news spread on campus, more and more students asked if he was the one in the paper. He said “I met some new friends, many I’ve never seen before”. Admin staff, students, cafe crew, and security guards all expressed their sorrow for his situation but praised his comeback and current state. Some even suggested a movie should be made about his story. One teacher cut the article out and placed it on the classroom wall.

“It’s been fun. Everyone treated me really well, especially this week. I even got a free bag of chips and a drink”.

Stroke can’t stop a Comeback kid

Press-Enterprise Cover story article was published on their website…

Stroke can’t stop a Comeback kid

By LAURIE LUCAS
The Press-Enterprise

 
icon for podpress  Comeback Kid [6:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Front Cover

Click to go to front page story...

Terry Pierson / The Press-Enterprise - Gary Gray, 45, left, with son Josh Gray, 17, who is rehabilitating after suffering a stroke June 10, 2009. Just eight months after the stroke, Josh can now walk, talk, cook and do laundry.

Terry Pierson / The Press-Enterprise

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So, go ahead… click the above link and and read the wonderful story by Laurie Lucas… and take a look at the awesome Terry Pierson photos, then come back here and leave your comments…

The Last High School Basketball Game

Josh returns to the basketball team.

Josh’s high school basketball team played their last game of the season. Unfortunately the season ended with a loss in the CIF playoffs. Essentially it was Josh’s last game of his high school career as a player. I asked him what it felt like when he realized this was his last game. He said “It feels empty. Kinda sad, kinda happy. I wish I could have been in the game for my guys so we could see another game at home. It feels weird knowing there’s no more practice.”  Since the basketball team began their season this year, Josh had attended practices and sat on the bench with his team each game whether home or away. Rooting and cheering for his guys on the floor and keeping an upbeat attitude on the sidelines, Josh realized how important a role he can play for his team without handling the ball. He high-fived each player coming in or out of the game and was a loud voice in the huddle.

Some exciting moments for me as Dad were to see Josh on the floor with the team during warm-ups, before the game and at halftime. He would set defense for the team as they took their warm-up shots and tossed encouragement during their drills. Crouched down, left hand in the air, and  focus in his eyes, Josh showed us how serious he was. He proved to himself and his teammates, though he suffered a stroke, he could still play this game with passion and have a purpose on the team. At the beginning of the final game, the seniors were recognized in front of the croud. As Josh’s name was announced, he was surprized to hear his name but stood and began walking to shake the coaches hands. His teamates and those around stood and clapped for Josh arousingly as he took his steps.

It was absolutely a thrill to see my kid back in the gym, on the basketball court, with a smile on his face. Considering all he has endured amid this injury, the moments were priceless and difficult to hold back tears. Thank you to the Valley View Eagles Basketball team and Coach Long for their support and understanding this season.

The Press Gets Wind of the Story

This is very exciting news! Today Josh met with a reporter from Press-Enterprise newspaper for his story. They got wind of Josh’s story from the folks at Casa Colina as a wonderful human interest story. The reporter asked questions of Josh, Dad, and Mom regarding the history of Josh’s injury and the success of his recovery. Wow, what a big moment for the wonderful teenager. They also took many pictures of Josh and his family members doing various day to day activities. The story is scheduled to break in print and on their web site sometime during the week of Feb 15 through Feb 20. We will keep you posted with a link to the article when it breaks.

To say the least, Josh was nervous in giving an interview as any of us would be. He certainly conducted himself professionally and gave a candid interview along with Dad, Mom, brother, and sister. Can’t wait to see the final piece. It’s great to see the public interest in Josh and his triumphant journey through a tragic moment in his young life. He, as well as all of us, hope his story will be inspiring and energetic to all readers and those who are overcoming unforseen tradgeties.

Please send us your comments and keep in touch with your thoughts. Josh and all of us appreciate your warm input.

We’ll keep ya posted with more. . .

Also, please check out our photos page for recent pix of Josh and those around him.




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