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Joshua's Hands
Joshua’s hands were big, strong, and calloused. Those callouses were the result of years of gymnastics training. Remember the expression: “Cold hands – warm heart…”? Well, Joshua’s version of that should have been: “Callous hands – tender heart.”
Every day of his life he was helping someone with those calloused hands. In his yearbook last spring, he wrote that his favorite verse was from the book of Joshua: “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
Joshua used his hands to help many people in this world. He tenderly and lovingly cared for his brothers and sisters. He voluntarily helped people move…collected food for the needy…arranged a group trip to a Precept Teen conference…and taught gymnastics. Gymnastics was his passion in life. He absolutely loved it. His calloused hands cleaned, moved equipment, “spotted” children on challenging maneuvers, and applauded good effort.
Although we had never addressed the issue of organ donation as a family, as Joshua lay dying on his hospital bed, there was no doubt that we should donate his healthy organs to those in need – he would want it that way. So his tender heart went to a wonderful lady who shares joy and compassion wherever she goes. Joshua’s liver was given to a man whose life was extended – allowing him to watch his daughters grow into beautiful young ladies. Two people are off of dialysis, a man lives and teaches free from his fragile diabetes, and two people can see the beauty of the world they live in – all thanks to Joshua’s final gift. And Joshua’s hands? Joshua’s hands live on through everyone who was ever touched by this extraordinary young man. They live on in service, giving, tenderness and love.
