Athletics

From Our Hearts To Yours; A Very Special Thank You From the Porter Family

December 13, 2006

Josh’s recovery is a miracle that is agreed upon by all who have been a part of this miraculous journey.  God does things for reasons unknown to us and he places people in positions to carry out his mission.  I’m convinced that those people are really angels used to guard us, to give us hope, to love us, to protect us and to encourage us at the times we need it the most:

Lance Champagne, you were the angel God used to protect Josh from further injury or death and you shared your blessings with Joel Thompson.   Thank you.  You are the unsung hero is this miracle.

Dr. Marsala you were the angel God used to give us hope that Josh would be given the best care possible and you assured us that everything would be alright because you had spoken to the very best, Dr. Anil Nanda. Dr. Nanda is absolutely amazing.  Thank you.

Doug Robinson, you were the angel who was always there to encourage us and to make sure everything outside the hospital was taken care of.   Thank you

Dr.& Mrs. Dave Gustavson and sons, Sam and Jack, thank you all for your prayers and visits.  Sam and Jack, Josh said there will be a rematch.

Coach McDowell, you and your family are the angels that God uses all the time in our lives.  You’ve guarded us, loved us, protected us, helped us and shared with us.  You all are family and we love and thank you.

To his current teachers, Ms. Smith, Ms. Carter, Ms. Goode and Ms.Roark, thank you for your understanding, compassion and your prayers.  You all were a blessing.

To the assistant coaches, Ryan Edwards, Derrick Green, Kyle Blankenship and his teammates, you guys are the wings beneath Josh’s wings.  Your constant prayers, phone calls, visits, love and gummy bears are what has given him the encouragement he needs to get well and return to the game he loves so much.  Thank you.

To Al Cantwell, you were/are the information angel that God uses to keep us updated on his miracle.  You’ve always done an outstanding job and we appreciate and thank you.

To Dr. Harris, you were there ready to do whatever needed to be done. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

To Chrissy Chiri, you told his story so well. Thank you for putting it all together.

To all those other staff, faculty members, students, and friends, of whom I don’t know names, but felt your love, concern and prayers for Josh, we say thank you.  You have touched our lives forever.

If we have overlooked anyone, please forgive the oversight.  There are not enough pages to list every single act of kindness, love or prayers that were given or done for us.  We love and appreciate everyone for everything they did.  Please continue to pray for Josh’s total recovery.

So, from Josh, his parents and his family, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and wonderfully blessed and prosperous New Year and thank you all so very much for being a part of the miracle.