Josh Gray

HE DID IT!!! Josh graduated High School with amazing written all over him. It was a glorious evening, June 9, 2010. It’s been mentioned here how Josh, his family, and friends have looked forward to this day with great anticipation. Hundreds were in the stands to see Valley View High School’s Class of 2010.  Several of Josh’s closest people: parents, siblings, cousins, grandfather, and friends from distant cities were in the stands cheering. The program was set in a very traditional format, from the graduates entering the stadium, to seating, and the top students honored. Fireworks lit the sky at the beginning of the student roll call and at the end of the names list. As a beautiful addition, doves were released in the air during the final song to represent the students future. It was truly a night to remember for all the student graduates and their guests. After the ceremony, Josh and his group of supporters gathered at a local restaurant to share a meal and a time of laughs. Gifts given and pictures taken as, we celebrated this special moment with the young graduate.

This couldn’t have been a more poignant graduation for a teenager like Josh. He celebrates his high school graduation one day, and celebrates the one-year anniversary of his stroke the next. It’s hard to imagine, one year ago, June 9, 2009, Josh and his Dad were sitting at the kitchen table discussing his plans for the 2009 summer. The next day June 10, he had a stroke that changed his direction in life. The reason this high school graduation is so special is the fact that not even a stroke could stop this kid from reaching his goal, to walk with his class of 2010. Congratulations Josh, Well Done!

Let the celebration begin! It’s time to celebrate the hard work and fortitude Josh has shown to reach one of  life’s foremost milestones, high school graduation. For anyone, high school graduation is a huge milestone and recognized as a major achievement in our society. However, there is so much more to this graduation, the fact that Josh had overcome a catastrophic injury to position himself for this moment, without missing a beat. The celebration began Thursday June 3 with Grad Night at Disneyland. The senior class of Valley View High School joined many other schools in southern California at the annual Grad Night; a casual, all-night event at Mickey’s house. Under the advice of Dad, Josh had about a 3-hour nap prior to going, knowing how difficult a long night a Disneyland would be. The anticipation of an all night party made it difficult to relax, but he did. Josh and his fellow students arrived at school to load the chartered buses for the trip at 7 pm. The atmosphere was electric as parents and students were flashing pictures capturing the moment. The eager students boarded the buses and away they went. Now, this is the part of the story, which gets a little fuzzy, as details were not exactly forthcoming. “I had a blast! There were tons of people at Disneyland and the club scene was awesome,” Josh did reveal. “I danced more here than I did at Prom last year,” he said.  The once paralyzed stroke victim had danced his way through the night. The students returned to school around 7 am Friday morning and it was easy to see the depletion of the weary teenagers. Most of us would look forward to a long sleep after a night of fun, but Josh had other responsibilities to attend. “Dad, I’ve got to get back to school and finish a final in one of my classes,” he said. After a quick two-hour nap, the kid was up and returned to school to complete his last academic task of high school. However, the day wasn’t over yet; we had senior awards later that evening. For a stroke victim, sleep and complete rest is essential. To say Josh was tired at this point is an understatement, yet he continued with the days plan. Josh was on the list to receive an award, although prior to arriving, we had no idea what the honor would be. That evening, Josh received The Most Improved Senior Award for his dedication in returning to school after a debilitating injury. Walking to the podium and receiving his certificate, they announced to the crowd a brief glimpse of Josh’s triumph and his determination to return to school and walk with his class. Teachers, students, and parents all stood in a moving ovation for the comeback kid. Mom, Dad, Grandma, sister, along with others were showing tears of emotion for a young man who had obviously touched and inspired many with his story. After the ceremony, several people in the crowd came to congratulate and expressed their admiration for Josh, encouraging him to continue. It was truly a night to remember. Josh would like to thank the teachers, staff, and students of Valley View High School for their support over the past two years, and making his senior year a gem in his new life.

Today was Media Day for Josh to tell his story. It started as a regular day for Josh,an early rise for a day at school except he had an appointment with the media. From 7:30 am until 10:30, Josh attended class as usual, sharing with his friends a TV reporter would be coming to school for an interview. Dad, Mom, brother Nathan, and sister Taylor were all on hand for the big day. The first of three interviews started with a videographer from the Press-Enterprise newspaper. The reporter asked Josh a number of questions on camera regarding his story and he described his personal experience of the past year. To say the least, Josh said he was a bundle of nerves on camera, though you could not tell from an outside view. He seemed relaxed and cool under fire as the journalist ran through a list of questions. Josh answered each one clearly and as always gave a bit of humor along the way. Soon after the interview, Reporter Mary Parks of NBC news arrived at the school with a camera crew in the NBC 4 news van, which brought a lot of attention to the surrounding students. The buzz began to pick up among the other students asking, “why are they here and who are they here for?” As Mary Parks and the camera operator began to set up their equipment, Mom and Dad assisted Josh with his cap and gown for graduation. Each interviewer wanted pictures with Josh in his traditional graduation wear. The family then situated themselves on a wall in front of the school as onlookers began to gather around. Among the crowd were Valley View High School Principal Kristen Hunter and Dean of Students Robert Brough. School was still in session as the interview began, so we had to work around the  hustle and bustle of the other students. During the interview, school buses would pull up and create unanticipated noise and distractions all of which became very humorous. The reporter attached a lapel microphone to each of us one at a time. First, it was Mom with a few questions on camera, then Dad’s turn. Josh was mic’d next and told his story. It was amazing to see the reporter with tears in her eyes as Josh spoke. Mary Parks mentioned, “we’re not supposed to make the reporter cry.” It was truly a special moment for us. Next, it was back home to meet with Laurie Lucus from the Press-Enterprise newspaper for a follow-up to the story printed in February 2010. She brought along with her a camera man for another photo opportunity of Josh and the family. It was great to hear Laurie comment on how much Josh had improved since she last met with us four months ago. The interview lasted about an hour and covered the happenings of the past few months.

The NBC news story aired Monday June 7, as a portion of the 6 pm newscast on channel 4. The Press-Enterprise story is online already along with additional pictures and the videography. Here is the LINK to the Press-Enterprise news story. We are very grateful to have the opportunity to share Josh’s story in the media. A special Thank you goes out to everyone at Casa Colina Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Patterson and several of Joshua’s therapists were on hand to give a testimony of his rehabilitation efforts, and how much of an inspiration he has been.