*Updated* Joshua - The Love Boat Captain
Hello!
This is one of the few times I've posted on here, but I have something I really want to share with my "jamily". Please be kind, this is a heartfelt post.
My 9 year old son was born four weeks early and had severe delays early on. At 6 months old, we found out he had cerebral palsy. We were overwhelmed by this baby that would be inconsolable for hours on end. But, then we discovered the one thing that he loved. Live from Madison Garden. Literally this 6 month old baby, who was developmentally like a newborn... Would completely stop crying when Love Boat Captain could start. It was a incredible relief.
As he began therapy we would use Pearl Jam Music to get him through. When he would stop working, we would turn off the DVD and he'd snap to attention.
He didn't talk until he was five, but I accredit him learning from the countless hours listening to PJ and mimicking the sounds of the instruments and lyrics.
Joshua has been wheelchair bound his whole life. We've gone through several major surgeries to help his misaligned legs. He's spent months in a body cast and in inpatient therapy. And now at 9, he's very slowly learning to walk, as you can imagine it's a miracle to see.
Joshua's love for PJ has made the music part of our family. My husband and I have become the super fans we are today because it's part of our life. He knows the lyrics to every single song, even the Christmas singles... But yet he can't spell his own name.
Last year, we brought him to his first show in Milwaukee. He still talks about it and asks to go to the "concert". We are hoping for another tour very soon so he can have the opportunity to go again.
I've wanted to share his story for a while, but I'm very protective. People can be cruel and I never want anyone to think that I have selfish motivation.
But, he is a part of this community and I think that his story is pretty cool. (I know I'm biased being his mom lol)
Here is a link to my latest you tube video. Him and I are talking about the song Porch and he drops the f-bomb. It's kinda cute. There are also some random videos of him rocking out through the years.
https://youtu.be/-qGNGbF5nH0
Although I would love to see Joshua meet the band, or get on stage one day... I more or less just would love to gain some support through the community as he learns to walk. And, just gain some awareness of his disability and his fandom.
Last show we felt somewhat out of place bringing him along. So, hopefully next time you all will see us and say hi!
Thanks in advance for your support!
Peace, Love, PJ
Christina
This is one of the few times I've posted on here, but I have something I really want to share with my "jamily". Please be kind, this is a heartfelt post.
My 9 year old son was born four weeks early and had severe delays early on. At 6 months old, we found out he had cerebral palsy. We were overwhelmed by this baby that would be inconsolable for hours on end. But, then we discovered the one thing that he loved. Live from Madison Garden. Literally this 6 month old baby, who was developmentally like a newborn... Would completely stop crying when Love Boat Captain could start. It was a incredible relief.
As he began therapy we would use Pearl Jam Music to get him through. When he would stop working, we would turn off the DVD and he'd snap to attention.
He didn't talk until he was five, but I accredit him learning from the countless hours listening to PJ and mimicking the sounds of the instruments and lyrics.
Joshua has been wheelchair bound his whole life. We've gone through several major surgeries to help his misaligned legs. He's spent months in a body cast and in inpatient therapy. And now at 9, he's very slowly learning to walk, as you can imagine it's a miracle to see.
Joshua's love for PJ has made the music part of our family. My husband and I have become the super fans we are today because it's part of our life. He knows the lyrics to every single song, even the Christmas singles... But yet he can't spell his own name.
Last year, we brought him to his first show in Milwaukee. He still talks about it and asks to go to the "concert". We are hoping for another tour very soon so he can have the opportunity to go again.
I've wanted to share his story for a while, but I'm very protective. People can be cruel and I never want anyone to think that I have selfish motivation.
But, he is a part of this community and I think that his story is pretty cool. (I know I'm biased being his mom lol)
Here is a link to my latest you tube video. Him and I are talking about the song Porch and he drops the f-bomb. It's kinda cute. There are also some random videos of him rocking out through the years.
https://youtu.be/-qGNGbF5nH0Although I would love to see Joshua meet the band, or get on stage one day... I more or less just would love to gain some support through the community as he learns to walk. And, just gain some awareness of his disability and his fandom.
Last show we felt somewhat out of place bringing him along. So, hopefully next time you all will see us and say hi!
Thanks in advance for your support!
Peace, Love, PJ
Christina
Post edited by stina1118 on
0
Comments
livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=446
1995- New Orleans, LA : New Orleans, LA
1996- Charleston, SC
1998- Atlanta, GA: Birmingham, AL: Greenville, SC: Knoxville, TN
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
2017- ED VED- Louisville, KY
2018- Chicago, IL x2, Boston, MA x2
2020- Nashville, TN
2022- Smashville
2023- Austin, TX x2
2024- Baltimore
He's a crazy hardcore fan, just like the rest of us.
I dont have the DVD of that Milwaukee show but wasn't sure if you knew you can watch on YouTube a great version....you probably already have seen this, but if not:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EH0-zH0L40U
Keep on rocking Joshua!!
1998 08-22 Barrie ON Molson Park
2003 05-02 Buffalo NY HSBC, 06-28 Toronto ON Molson Amp.
2004 10-02 Toledo OH Vote For Change w/ Neil Young
2005 09-19 Toronto ON ACC, 09-13 Hamilton ON Copps, 09-11 Kitchener ON Memorial Gardens
2006 05-10 Toronto ON ACC, 05-09 Toronto ON ACC
2007 EV 09-11 Toronto ON Body of War TIFF Screening Isabel Bader Theatre - Grateful to have met Ed!!
2008 EV 08-12 Toronto ON Massey Hall
2009 08-21 Toronto ON Molson Amp.
2010 05-10 Buffalo NY HSBC
2011 09-15 Hamilton ON Copps, 09-11 Toronto ON ACC, 09-12 Toronto ON ACC,
2011 EV 06-26 Detroit MI Fox Theatre
2013 10-12 Buffalo NY First Niagara, 07-16 London ON Bud Gardens
2016 05-10, 05-12 Toronto ON ACC
2022 09-06 Hamilton ON First Ontario Centre
So, PJ if you're listening... Joshua wants another concert and to meet his new friends... Hint hint!
Anyone gives you guff for this post, I'll kick their ass
Rock on, Joshua!
2016 - 5/5, 5/8, 5/10, 5/12, 8/5, 8/7
2014 - 6/28, 6/29
2013 - 10/12, 11/24
2011 - 9/14
2005 - 9/16
We were practicing sitting...
Sending so much love and good energy to you all!
Thanks for sharing
Keep on rockin Joshua!!
It is an honor to be a fan of the same band as your are..
Much love!!
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
keep on rockin
RED ROCKS 6-19-95
AUGUSTA 9-26-96
MANSFIELD 9-15-98
BOSTON 9-29-04
BOSTON 5-25-06
MANSFIELD 6-30-08
EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
BOSTON 5-17-10
EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
PJ20 9-3-11
PJ20 9-4-11
WRIGLEY 7-19-13
WORCESTER 10-15-13
WORCESTER 10-16-13
HARTFORD 10-25-13
What a gift you have shared by exposing us to the light that is this beautiful boy!
And thank you Joshua for helping us steer towards the clear, here.