None of us knew what to expect from our weekend trip, but it really didn’t matter because we were excited for the opportunity to visit with and encourage our friend. As we headed out late Thursday and drove through the night, we had a lot of fun getting caught up on each other’s lives and reminiscing about the fun that we had together in the past. But, the topic of conversation always returned to Josh and the reason we were making this journey.
We arrived in DC around 5:30 AM with very little sleep and a lot of anticipation of what was going to take place over the next couple of days. We met up with Josh at his place in Bethesda early Friday morning before his physical therapy session. The initial meeting was a little awkward at first but that lasted only a few minutes as each of us quickly picked up our friendship with Josh like nothing had ever changed.
We picked a great weekend to visit Josh because this week was the first time he would get both of his artificial legs. It was really special to see the strides Josh had made in his recovery, to meet the people helping him, and to see Josh stand on his own for the first time since his injuries had taken place.
The rest of the weekend was filled with typical guy stuff… playing video games, cooking out in the middle of the winter, going out to eat and generally harassing each other and joking around.
One of the days, we took Josh off base to visit some of the memorials in DC. It was a very sober and reflecting time for me to see the war memorials honoring the men and women who had also made sacrifices for our country and freedom in general. In one very special and almost sacred moment, I witnessed a veteran from WWII who fought at Iwa Jima approach Josh and thank him for his service to our country. I’ll never forget the mutual understanding between both men even though no war stories were ever shared.
As the weekend ended, I think all of us realized that a lot of things have changed physically, emotionally and spiritually for Josh. All of us were very honored to be visiting and encouraging Josh. I think this saying at the WWII monument says it best:
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Josh, we’re praying for you and can't wait for you to come home.
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